Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has formally flagged off his re-election campaign in Osogbo, expressing confidence that he will remain on the ballot for the 2026 governorship election despite concerns arising from the Federal High Court’s deregistration of five political parties.

Speaking at the campaign launch, which also featured the defection of supporters of former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, to the Accord Party, Adeleke dismissed speculations that legal developments could affect his candidacy.

“They are plotting that I should not be on the ballot but I am a sharp guy. My hope is in God and he told me this morning that I will win my re-election,” the governor said.

Adeleke urged party supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the election, expressing confidence in securing another term in office.

Among those who formally joined the Accord Party were former commissioners in the administration of ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, including Folorunso Bamisayemi, former Commissioner for Education, and Yemi Lawal, former Commissioner for Youth and Sports. Also among the defectors was former Special Adviser on Education, Jamiu Olawumi.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Bamisayemi said they left the APC due to dissatisfaction with the party’s handling of internal political issues, particularly its decision not to field Omisore as its candidate in the 2022 governorship election.

He further accused the APC of attempting to use legal means to prevent Adeleke from contesting, alleging that the opposition party was concerned about suffering another electoral defeat in the state.

The campaign launch marks the beginning of Adeleke’s bid to retain power as political activities ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election gather momentum.