In a striking development that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola has publicly declared that he will not follow incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke into the Accord Party, despite Adeleke’s high-profile defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Oyinlola also leveled serious allegations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the unseen catalyst fueling the deepening crisis within the PDP — stirring fresh controversy just as the nation gears up for pivotal elections in 2026 and 2027.
Oyinlola’s Heartfelt Stand: Loyalty to PDP, Not Party Hopping
At the second matriculation ceremony of Alolade Oyinlola College of Health Sciences and Information Technology in Okuku, Osun State — where he formally admitted about 90 students — Oyinlola took time away from academia to address matters of national significance. In his address, he unequivocally stated that he remains committed to the PDP “unless the party goes into extinction.”
“I won’t leave PDP, I am not following Demola to Accord. At my age, I can’t be pushed around. I’m gradually withdrawing from active politics,” Oyinlola said, referencing his advancing age (nearly 75 years).
This commitment stands in stark contrast to the ongoing trend of high-profile defections and political realignments that has seen numerous governors and politicians switching parties in recent months. Critics argue that these movements reflect deep fractures in party ideology and leadership, not merely personal ambition.
Pinning the PDP Crisis on Tinubu: A Bold Claim
What has ignited nationwide discussion is Oyinlola’s allegation that President Tinubu is actively engineering strife within the PDP. According to Oyinlola, the President views a fractured opposition as the easiest route to securing his own second term in office in 2027 — a claim that has stirred vigorous debate across political and social media platforms.
Oyinlola argued that the problem within the PDP “would have been solved but for the interference of Tinubu,” claiming that the president sees the party as a “major challenge poised on his 2027 ambition.”
These comments come amid escalating internal tensions within the PDP — including the controversial expulsion of high-profile members such as Nyesom Wike, Ayodele Fayose, and Samuel Anyanwu by the party’s National Working Committee.
While analysts note that internal party disputes are not unique to the PDP, the timing of these outbreaks — alongside strategic defections and realignments — has fueled speculation about deeper political engineering. In recent weeks, the PDP’s national leadership has admitted that internal missteps contributed to significant losses, such as Adeleke’s defection.
Adeleke’s Defection: Self-Defense or Crisis Symptom?
Governor Ademola Adeleke’s decision to join the Accord Party was confirmed following his resignation from the PDP. Adeleke defended his move, stating that his choice was not abandonment but a measure taken to “protect himself and ensure continuity in Osun’s development”.
Adeleke subsequently clinched the Accord Party’s governorship ticket for the August 8, 2026 election, securing 145 out of 150 delegate votes.
In his acceptance speech, Adeleke stressed his confidence in winning a second term based on performance and what he described as progressive governance that has improved key sectors in Osun State.
Political commentators see Adeleke’s defection as symptomatic of a larger decay within the PDP — a party once Nigeria’s foremost opposition but now beset by leadership infighting, factionalism, and defections.
PDP’s Self-Critique: “Internal Errors Cost Us Adeleke”
Amid all this, the PDP has itself acknowledged that internal leadership failures, not just external pressures, played a key role in Adeleke’s departure. According to party officials, mismanagement and unresolved disputes contributed significantly to the crisis that drove the governor away.
Such admissions hint at broader structural weaknesses within Nigeria’s main opposition party — weaknesses that could reshape the political terrain leading into critical elections.
What It Means for Nigeria’s Political Future
The unfolding dynamics have several implications:
Opposition Disarray: The PDP’s visible fractures weaken its capacity to challenge the ruling party cohesively, potentially shaping the political balance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu’s Influence: Oyinlola’s accusations — whether politically motivated or grounded in observable trends — reflect broader perceptions that incumbents may leverage state resources and influence to undermine opposition strength.
Rise of Third Parties: Adeleke’s pivot to the Accord Party could embolden other politicians to explore alternative political platforms as dissatisfaction with traditional party structures grows.
As Nigeria’s political calendar accelerates toward landmark elections, these developments will continue to influence voter sentiment, party strategies, and national discourse.
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