Drama as Osun lawmaker defects from Accord to APC after initial backtrack

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

A member of the Osun State House of Assembly representing Iwo State Constituency, Hon. Adesina Rabiu, has defected from the Accord Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC), sparking controversy.

It would be recalled that the lawmaker had on Tuesday written a resignation letter from the Accord Party but, a few hours later, withdrew it and reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Ademola Adeleke following a visit by the Speaker of the House, Adewale Olumide Egbedun, and the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.

However, the situation took another turn on Wednesday when Rabiu held a meeting with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, alongside Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi and a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Wole Oke.

Confirming the development, Oke disclosed that the lawmaker had joined the APC, adding that more defections were imminent. “Rabiu has joined our party, APC. Eighteen more lawmakers will be joining us very soon. The Accord Party is empty, I can tell you that for sure,” he said.

Also speaking, Fadeyi expressed confidence in the party’s electoral chances, declaring that the APC would win the 2026 Osun governorship election and deliver victory for President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

In a swift reaction, the forum of elders and leaders of the Iwo Accord described Rabiu as a liability and an embarrassment rather than an asset to the party.

The group, in a statement signed by the Accord chairman in Iwo, Chief Alidu Adeoye, said the lawmaker had constituted a serious nuisance and disappointment to his constituents since 2022, noting that the party had refrained from acting against him due to the intervention of some elders.

Adeoye added that the party had anticipated his exit, as his request for a second-term ticket violated the zoning formula in the Iwo State Constituency.