Deputy Minority Leader Defects from PDP to Accord Party

Lere Oyewumi, the senator representing Osun West, has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party to join the Accord Party.

Oyewumi, who was elected under the PDP in the 2023 ge

neral elections, confirmed his defection in a statement released on Monday in Osogbo. Before this move, he was the last PDP senator from Osun State, following the earlier exits of fellow lawmakers Olubiyi Fadeyi and Francis Fadahunsi, who both defected to the All Progressives Congress.

The PDP in Osun has witnessed several defections in recent years. In 2025, three members of the House of Representatives of Nigeria from the state left the party for the APC.

Although Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun State, moved to the Accord Party in December 2025, Oyewumi initially remained with the PDP. However, speculation about his political future persisted after six members of the House of Representatives from the state later joined the Accord Party.

The development came shortly after all 25 PDP members of the Osun State House of Assembly also switched to the Accord Party in a move aimed at aligning with the governor.

According to a statement released by his media aide, Timileyin Popoola, the senator formally registered as a member of the Accord Party in Ward 9 of Ikire, located in Irewole Local Government Area.

The statement described the move as a major political development in Osun West, particularly within Irewole LGA. It noted that the registration ceremony took place in the senator’s hometown, where he was warmly welcomed by party members and supporters.

Oyewumi was officially received into the party by the Osun State Chairman of the Accord Party, Victor Akande, along with other party leaders and stakeholders.

Explaining the reason behind the defection, the statement said the senator had earlier resigned from the PDP due to unresolved disagreements within the party and his desire to better serve his constituents.

It added that Oyewumi’s decision reflects his commitment to effective representation, responsive leadership, and policies aimed at fostering meaningful development for the people of Osun State. According to the statement, his time in the Senate has been marked by dedication, humility, and a strong sense of responsibility toward the welfare of his constituents.