The political stage in Osun State took a dramatic turn as celebrity-turned-governor, Ademola Adeleke, effortlessly secured the Accord Party’s governorship ticket,without a single challenger in sight. In a move some are calling a “coronation rather than a contest,” Adeleke’s unopposed candidacy underscored his grip on the party and left little doubt about who’s calling the shots.

The so-called primary in Osogbo was more spectacle than substance, with 150 delegates from all corners of Osun State dutifully trooping in to rubber-stamp Adeleke’s bid. Unsurprisingly, he scooped up 145 votes, with a mere five ballots voided,hardly a nail-biter. Accord’s electoral committee secretary, Abdulazeez Salaudeen, made it official, declaring Adeleke the “winner” in a process closely watched by party loyalists and INEC officials eager to lend an air of legitimacy to the proceedings.

The event had all the trappings of high-stakes political theater: armed security swarmed the venue, creating an almost militarized backdrop for what appeared to be a foregone conclusion. Adeleke, flanked by his deputy and high-profile aides, arrived to cheers from his entourage, further cementing the event’s performative vibe.

However, political observers couldn’t help but notice the conspicuous absence of heavyweight figures: PDP Chairman Sunday Bisi, Speaker Wale Egbedun, and several lawmakers were all missing in action, prompting whispers of brewing tensions and shifting allegiances behind the scenes. Are cracks forming within Osun’s political walls?

Meanwhile, Accord Party’s national leadership, led by chairman Maxwell Mgbudem, showed up to provide the necessary endorsement, signaling the party’s full embrace of its new star and a bid to inject fresh energy into its ranks.

Adeleke’s move comes on the heels of his high-profile defection from the PDP,a decision he claims was made after “consulting stakeholders.” The narrative? Adeleke says he found a more fitting home in the Accord Party, whose “welfarist” philosophy conveniently aligns with his own political branding. Skeptics, however, see it as a strategic leap to secure his re-election chances amid ongoing PDP frictions.

In a polished acceptance speech, Adeleke promised to keep the “good governance” train rolling and insisted his re-election bid was all about the people’s welfare. Critics wonder if this is more campaign talk or a real plan for progress.

With Adeleke now officially flying the Accord Party banner, Osun’s governorship race is primed for major upheaval. His surprise defection and uncontested victory have thrown other parties into scramble mode, as everyone rethinks their strategies in what’s gearing up to be a headline-grabbing showdown.