Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has assured supporters that the Accord Party will remain on the ballot for the August 15 governorship election despite a recent Federal High Court judgment ordering the party’s deregistration.
Speaking on Tuesday during the official launch of his re-election campaign in Osogbo, Adeleke dismissed concerns that the court ruling would affect his bid for a second term, insisting that all legal steps were being taken to protect the party’s electoral rights.
The governor expressed confidence that the ongoing legal process would ultimately favour the party and guarantee its participation in the forthcoming election.
“Let me start by assuring you all: Accord will be on the ballot; your votes will count; and I will be re-elected as your governor on Aug. 15,” Adeleke declared.
“All lawful means are being deployed to sustain and retain our rights to vote and be voted for.
“We will not bow to dark forces; we remain courageous, and we shall again be victorious by the special grace of God.”
Adeleke called on party members, supporters and campaign coordinators across the state to intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the election, stressing that the achievements of his administration must be protected through continuity in governance.
“Go out to all voting units and mobilise for Accord. Our party remains a duly registered political party in the country.
“Rule of law must prevail. Democracy must survive,” he said.
The governor also appreciated the support of various organisations, professional associations and community groups that have publicly endorsed his re-election bid.
According to him, the endorsements reflect public recognition of the developmental projects and policies implemented by his administration since assuming office in 2022.
“You listed our sterling performance since 2022 as reasons for endorsing me and defecting to Accord.
“I am grateful for the confidence you have reposed in me,” he said.
Adeleke used the occasion to welcome new members who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC), assuring them that they would enjoy equal opportunities and participation within the party structure.
“To our new members, I assure you of equal opportunities,” he stated.
The governor also reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing the President as a respected leader deserving of continued backing.
“As we seek your votes on Aug. 15, we restate our endorsement of our son, father, and leader, President Bola Tinubu, for re-election in 2027.
“Our support for Mr President is unshaken and total,” Adeleke said.
He urged residents of Osun State to remain committed to the democratic process and reject any attempt to intimidate voters or undermine their electoral rights.
“Great people of Osun, we cannot and must not return to the dark days.
“We must rise and defend our democratic rights. We cannot be intimidated in the exercise of our voting rights.
“This is our state, the cradle of the Yoruba nation. By God’s grace and the people’s support, continuity shall prevail,” he added.
The governor’s remarks come amid legal and political uncertainty following a Federal High Court ruling that directed the deregistration of the Accord Party and four other political parties over alleged failure to meet constitutional electoral performance requirements.
However, appeals against the judgment are currently before the Court of Appeal, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the affected parties seeking a stay of execution pending the determination of the appeal.
