Adeleke Faces Re-election Risk Over Accord Internal Crisis, Group Claims

The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has warned Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, against actions it said could deepen divisions within the Accord Party, claiming that the internal crisis could threaten his chances of re-election in 2027.

The warning followed comments reportedly made by the Osun State Chairman of the Accord Party, Pastor Victor Akande, during a radio programme on the party’s internal affairs, including Governor Adeleke’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement issued on Monday by its South-West Coordinator, Alhaji Abass Olaniyi, the group described Akande’s remarks as false and misleading, alleging that they misrepresented the sequence of political events surrounding the party’s presidential ticket.

GHSM maintained that Governor Adeleke’s endorsement of President Tinubu was made before he joined the Accord Party, when he was still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The group also claimed that the Accord Party’s national leadership had already commenced moves to field Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as its presidential candidate before Adeleke defected to the party.

According to the statement, the party’s national executives met with Olawepo-Hashim in Abuja in March 2026 to discuss his participation in the 2027 presidential race, after which he emerged as the party’s presidential candidate through its primary process.

It argued that the development contradicted suggestions that the party lacked a presidential direction when Adeleke endorsed Tinubu.

“The facts are clear. Governor Adeleke endorsed President Tinubu before joining the Accord Party, while the party’s national leadership subsequently produced Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as its presidential candidate through its internal process.

“Therefore, the argument that Adeleke’s endorsement of Tinubu was caused by the absence of a presidential candidate in the Accord Party does not align with the timeline of events,” the statement said.

The movement warned against allowing internal disagreements to weaken the party, saying political parties thrive when members respect established structures and collective decisions.

It also disclosed that the dispute over the party’s presidential primary is currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja, adding that it would not comment further on issues already before the court.

“The issue of the Accord Party’s presidential primary is before the Federal High Court in Abuja. As responsible stakeholders, we will not engage in public commentary on a matter before the court. We have confidence in the judicial process and await the court’s decision,” the statement added.

GHSM maintained that resolving the party’s internal disagreements would be crucial to its electoral prospects, insisting that continued divisions could affect Governor Adeleke’s re-election bid if not properly managed.

The statement comes amid lingering disagreements within the Accord Party over its leadership and presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.