Former presidential candidate of the Accord Party, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has launched a blistering attack on Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, accusing him of betraying the party that provided him political support while urging party faithful to reject anti-party activities and remain united ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
Speaking after receiving the report of a seven-member committee of Accord Party stakeholders from Osun State, Olawepo-Hashim declared that Adeleke’s alleged disloyalty would not derail the party’s resolve to reclaim its political relevance in the state.
The committee, constituted to assess the political situation within the party and consult members across Osun, reportedly briefed the former presidential candidate on recent developments affecting the Accord Party.
Reacting to the report, Olawepo-Hashim insisted that while Governor Adeleke had acted in a manner inconsistent with party loyalty, he would not retaliate by engaging in actions capable of weakening the Accord Party.
“Governor Ademola Adeleke has obviously acted as a disloyal party man, but I will not respond by engaging in anti-party activities in Osun. Two wrongs do not make a right,” he declared.
The former presidential candidate said his political philosophy is anchored on integrity, discipline and Christian values rather than revenge or personal vendetta.
“I am a Christian. The Bible teaches that vengeance belongs to the Lord. I have no reason to pursue political revenge,” he said.
Olawepo-Hashim urged party members across Osun State not to allow the actions of a few political actors to discourage them, stressing that the strength and future of the Accord Party would ultimately depend on the loyalty, commitment and sacrifices of its members.
According to him, political parties are built on enduring ideals rather than the ambitions of individuals, adding that committed members remain the greatest asset of the party.
In a surprising twist, the Accord chieftain suggested that the Adeleke family may be operating under political pressures not fully understood by the public, saying such realities may have influenced some of their recent political decisions.
“The Adeleke family is under pressure that many people do not understand. I understand some of those realities and that is why I have chosen to exercise restraint in my political response. Sometimes politicians take decisions that appear illogical,” he stated.
He cited Governor Adeleke’s public support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu despite intense political rivalry between the APC and other opposition parties as an example of such contradictions.
“Supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu despite the political pressure the APC has mounted against them is one such example. I am not angry with them; I pity them,” he added.
Reaffirming his commitment to rebuilding and strengthening the Accord Party in Osun and across Nigeria, Olawepo-Hashim called on members to intensify grassroots mobilisation in preparation for the governorship election.
He also paid tribute to party elders, leaders and supporters who, according to him, remained steadfast despite mounting political pressure and attempts to weaken the party.
“I sincerely appreciate every Accord member, elder and stakeholder in Osun State who has stood firmly with our party and our presidential agenda. Your loyalty, sacrifice and courage will never be forgotten or taken for granted,” he said.
Assuring members that their sacrifices would eventually yield political rewards, he declared that the destiny of the Accord Party lies in the hands of those willing to defend its ideals.
“The Accord Party belongs to its members. Its future will be determined by the loyalty, commitment and hard work of those who believe in its ideals. I urge every supporter in Osun to remain focused, united and mobilised for victory,” he stated.
Olawepo-Hashim further challenged President Bola Tinubu to guarantee a transparent, free and credible governorship election in Osun, describing the off-season poll as a defining test of Nigeria’s democratic credibility before the 2027 general elections.
He warned that the conduct of the election would be closely monitored both within and outside the country.
“Osun State election is the major off-season election before 2027. What happens will tell everyone what INEC and Nigeria’s security forces plan to do in 2027. The world is watching,” he warned.
The latest remarks come amid growing political tension in Osun State following Governor Adeleke’s repeated public endorsement of President Tinubu, a development that has continued to fuel disagreements between supporters of the governor and key figures within the Accord Party over questions of party loyalty and political alignment.