By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Osogbo/Port Harcourt —
In a major shake-up of Nigeria’s political landscape, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and his Rivers State counterpart, Siminalayi Fubara, have both left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defecting to different political platforms within days of each other.
Governor Adeleke on Tuesday formally joined the Accord Party, barely days after resigning from the PDP. The Osun governor announced his defection at the Government House in Osogbo, citing unresolved leadership crises and internal disagreements within the opposition party as reasons for his departure.
According to him, the Accord Party provides a platform that aligns with his welfarist agenda and development plans for the state. Adeleke also disclosed his intention to seek re-election in 2026 on the Accord platform, describing the move as necessary to ensure continuity of governance and completion of ongoing projects in Osun State.
The governor noted that his decision followed wide consultations with political stakeholders, party leaders and supporters across the state, adding that his priority remains the welfare of Osun residents.
In a related development, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has also defected from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Fubara announced his defection during a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt, marking a significant political realignment in the oil-rich South-South state.
Explaining his action, Fubara said the PDP had failed to provide the needed support amid prolonged political tensions in Rivers State. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC leaders for what he described as support and encouragement during the political crisis that rocked the state.
Fubara’s defection comes on the heels of similar moves by several members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including key lawmakers who recently left the PDP for the APC, further weakening the opposition party’s hold on the state.
The exit of two sitting governors from the PDP has deepened concerns about the party’s internal stability and ability to retain its influence ahead of the 2026 off-cycle governorship election and the 2027 general elections.
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Political observers say the twin defections reflect growing internal discontent within the PDP and signal intensified political realignments as parties position themselves for future electoral contests.
