2027: Adeleke Tightens Accord, Moves Against Anti-Party Activities
By Akin Alade
Barely weeks after securing another governorship mandate in Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke has turned his attention to strengthening the internal structure of the Accord Party ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that members who work against the party’s candidates will face severe disciplinary action.
The development signals an early attempt by the governor and Accord leadership to prevent internal divisions, competing loyalties and political sabotage from undermining the party as preparations for the next round of elections gather momentum.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday, September 2, Adeleke and Accord leaders expressed concern over reports that some members were allegedly supporting candidates belonging to rival political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), All Peoples Party (APP) and All Progressives Congress (APC).
The message from the meeting was unmistakable: membership of Accord must translate into loyalty to Accord candidates.
Adeleke Moves to Consolidate Accord Ahead of 2027
For Adeleke, the task ahead appears to have shifted from winning the Osun governorship election to consolidating the political machinery required for future electoral contests.
The governor recently won another term after polling 511,067 votes, defeating APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who recorded 444,815 votes.
With that election concluded, attention is increasingly turning towards 2027, when National Assembly and other legislative contests will test the depth of Accord’s political structure in Osun State.
Against this background, allowing influential members to openly or secretly support candidates of rival parties could weaken Accord’s ability to convert its governorship success into victories in other elections.
No Room for Political Double-Dealing — Accord
According to a statement issued by Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the stakeholders resolved that members must not sponsor or work for legislative candidates presented by other political parties.
The leadership consequently established a committee to examine constituencies where alleged anti-party activities have been reported and recommend appropriate action.
Accord’s state leadership was also directed to intensify monitoring to identify members working against the interests of the party.
Those who refuse to retrace their steps could face disciplinary sanctions.
The move suggests that Adeleke and the Accord leadership are determined to deal with internal disloyalty before it develops into a larger crisis capable of affecting the party’s 2027 ambitions.
Candidate Selection Disagreements Resolved
Another significant outcome of the stakeholders’ meeting was the reported resolution of disagreements arising from the selection of legislative candidates.
Internal disputes following primaries and candidate selection have historically created problems for Nigerian political parties, with aggrieved aspirants sometimes defecting or supporting rival candidates.
Accord appears determined to prevent such a scenario.
Party members were consequently directed to close ranks and support candidates emerging from the selection process, while the candidates themselves were asked to reach out to aggrieved groups and ensure that campaigns remain inclusive.
Adeleke Demands Inclusive Campaign
While insisting on discipline, Adeleke also placed responsibility on candidates to reconcile different interests within the party.
He urged them to reach out to all segments of Accord and accommodate divergent opinions rather than allowing disagreements to create permanent political divisions.
The strategy suggests a combination of reconciliation and discipline—bringing aggrieved members back into the fold while sanctioning those who deliberately work against officially recognised candidates.
Adeleke also thanked party members for their support during the recently concluded election and urged them to maintain the unity that contributed to the party’s performance.
Accord Faces Bigger Test After Adeleke’s Victory
Adeleke’s emergence within Accord significantly altered the party’s political standing in Osun State.
However, maintaining that momentum beyond a governorship election presents a different challenge.
The 2027 contests will require functional grassroots structures, disciplined membership and cooperation among political leaders across constituencies.
This explains why the latest warning against anti-party activities could prove crucial to Accord’s next political chapter.
Rather than waiting until campaigns are fully underway before addressing internal disagreements, Adeleke appears determined to identify potential fault lines early and bring competing interests under one political umbrella.
The coming months will determine whether that strategy succeeds.
For now, however, the governor’s message to Accord members is clear: the Osun victory is only one battle, and internal division will not be allowed to jeopardise the political contests ahead.
