By Isa Isawade
Leaders and members of the Accord Party in Osun State have explained factors responsible for the party’s victory at the August 15 governorship polls and expressed gratitude to God.
The leaders expressed their feelings and appreciation to party supporters at victory party organised by Accord Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, at the Imole campaign headqurters at Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo on Monday.
Speaking at the gathering, Akande gave glory to God for seeing the party through the turbulence that greeted the pre-election campaigns and for making its candidate, Gov Ademola Adeleke, victorious.
Akandi said he was “extremely happy” with the outcome of the election, noting that the party had faced what he described as intimidation, arrests, humiliation and harassment of some of its members before the poll.
He also thanked members of the party and other stakeholders for their commitment, sacrifice and support throughout the electioneering period.
Akande particularly appreciated the party’s leadership, including the National Women Leader of Accord, Mrs. Awogbade Kemi, as well as other leaders and supporters who worked tirelessly for the success of the party.
He described the victory as a product of perseverance, unity and divine intervention, noting that the party had gone through difficult moments before achieving success at the polls.
According to him, despite the challenges, the election was peaceful, fair and credible, while the people ultimately expressed their preference through the ballot.
The chairman also paid tribute to the late Alhaji Opawuyi, who he described as one of the pioneer chairmen of the Accord Party in Osun State. He prayed for the repose of his soul and acknowledged the contributions he made to the development of the party.
According to him, the victory has created a new opportunity for the party to contribute meaningfully to governance and the development of Osun State.
He urged party members to remain united, disciplined and committed to the ideals of the Accord Party, stressing that the success recorded at the election should serve as a foundation for greater achievements.
On the factors that brought victory the way of Accord, Akande said Gov Adele kept the promises he made at resumption of his first tenure and people of the state rewarded him with their votes.
He advised politicians who may have the opportunity to hold public office to keep their promises and leave a positive record behind.
“Make sure you do well. Make sure you keep to trust. Make sure you fulfil the promises you made to people,” he said, arguing that Adeleke’s fulfilment of his campaign promises contributed significantly to his re-election.
On what Osun residents should expect during Adeleke’s second term, Akande promised continuity in governance and further development across the state.
He said the administration would continue to focus on improving the lives of residents and developing every sector of the state, expressing optimism that Osun would become a state its people could proudly identify with anywhere in the world.
No Leadership Crisis in Accord
Addressing questions about the leadership crisis in Accord Party ahead of the 2027 general elections, Akande insisted that there was no faction in the party. He rejected the claim of another individual to the chairmanship of the party, saying the person had been expelled and was no longer a member of Accord.
“We have one Accord. It is in one fold, unity and progress is our motto, and we abide by that,” he said.
Akadi also called for calm following concerns over post-election security incidents in parts of Osun State. He said the government would not allow the state to become a battleground, assuring residents that efforts would be made to restore peace and protect lives and property.
He urged political actors to avoid actions capable of destroying the state, saying those who had built their political lives and livelihoods in Osun had a greater responsibility to protect the state.
“We cannot destroy what we used our hands to build,” he said.
Accord National Women Leader Backs Party’s Growth
Also speaking during the interaction, Princess Awobade Adékémi Richard, National Women Leader of Accord Nigeria, expressed confidence in the future of the party and called on its members and supporters to remain committed to its growth.
She highlighted the importance of women’s participation in politics and urged party supporters to mobilise effectively ahead of future elections.
The national women leader also spoke about Accord’s political history and its prospects of expanding its influence beyond Osun State.
She maintained that the party had the potential to secure more electoral victories and urged supporters to work towards strengthening its structures across the country.
She particularly encouraged party members and supporters to participate actively in elections and use their votes to support credible candidates representing Accord at various levels.
According to her, the party’s future success would depend largely on effective organisation, grassroots mobilisation and the ability of its candidates to connect with the people.
She urged politicians who are entrusted with public office to remember that leadership is a responsibility and that elected officials must work for the benefit of the people.
The Accord leaders’ comments came as the party begins to look beyond the Osun governorship victory and prepare for future political contests, with the 2027 general elections gradually coming into focus.
Another Accord Party leader, Comrade Dada, expressed happiness over the outcome of the election and commended members of the party for their dedication and resilience.
He said the victory was significant because of the challenges faced by the party before and during the election, adding that the determination of the members eventually paid off.
The speakers further acknowledged the leadership and support of Governor Ademola Adeleke, while calling on all stakeholders to work together in the interest of the people of Osun State.
The gathering ended with thanksgiving and renewed calls for unity among members of the Accord Party.
The party leaders also assured supporters that the victory would be used as an opportunity to strengthen the party and contribute to the socio-economic development of Osun State.
