“I sincerely appreciate the political party for the opportunity to serve at different capacities ranging from Local Government, State and National levels respectively; I therefore wish the party well,” he wrote in his resignation letter.

His departure has intensified speculation about his next political move, particularly following a recent visit by the APC’s governorship candidate in Gombe State, Jamilu Isiyaka Gwamna, to Dukku Local Government Area, Zaune’s hometown. The visit has fueled reports that the former ADC official is preparing to formally declare his membership of the ruling party.

Political observers believe the development could strengthen the APC’s grassroots support in the area while further weakening the ADC’s organizational structure in Gombe State ahead of future political contests.

Zaune’s resignation is also the latest in a growing wave of defections affecting the ADC in the state. Only a few weeks earlier, the party’s State Secretary, Ahmed Gana, also resigned from the ADC and subsequently joined the APC, where he publicly pledged his support for Gwamna’s governorship ambition.

The successive exits of senior party officials have raised concerns about internal stability within the ADC in Gombe State, with analysts suggesting that the defections could influence the political balance ahead of future elections as parties continue efforts to consolidate support and attract influential political figures.

“I have been watching the candidates closely, and after wide consultations with my state chairman, secretary, and other senior members of the party, we have reached an alignment. At the end of the day, we are all progressives.

“We look forward to a situation where, by the special grace of God, we will deliver Osun State to our governor, Oyebamiji,” he said.

Responding to the gesture, Oyebamiji, who commended the APGA candidate for the endorsement, expressed readiness to reach out to other parties in the governorship race to seek their backing in the poll.

He said, “Thank you so much. I appreciate this, and I want to assure you that we will work together to rescue Osun State from the current bad government. Your people will be taken care of.

“I am glad about this development, and we will also reach out to other parties so that we can join hands together to build a greater Osun State.”

One of Adeleke’s biggest strengths is incumbency. The governor is seeking to retain the office and has been campaigning on projects and programmes implemented during his first term.

His campaign has also received political boosts from defections by some former APC figures and associates of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola. Several former commissioners and aides have reportedly moved towards Adeleke’s camp.

Adeleke has additionally received endorsements from some traditional security outfits and ethnic groups in the state, although such endorsements should not automatically be interpreted as guaranteed votes.

Another important factor is the governor’s political visibility. Having contested and won the governorship previously, Adeleke already has an established electoral structure and name recognition across the state.

Why Oyebamiji Could Still Shock Adeleke

Despite Adeleke’s advantages, Oyebamiji should not be underestimated.

The APC candidate has the backing of the federal ruling party and former Governor Oyetola, while the APC is attempting to regain control of Osun after losing the governorship in 2022. Analysts have described the contest as a critical battle for the APC and a test of its ability to recover political ground in the state.

An earlier opinion poll published in January gave Oyebamiji 52 per cent against Adeleke’s 38 per cent, although that survey is several months old and should not be treated as a current projection of the final result.

The APC has also been working to consolidate its structures across the state and present Oyebamiji as an alternative to the incumbent.

The Major Problem for APC

The biggest concern for Oyebamiji may be internal cohesion.

Reports in recent weeks have highlighted resignations and defections within the Osun APC, with some former party members moving towards Adeleke’s camp.

If the APC fails to unite its grassroots structures before election day completely, Adeleke could benefit significantly.

Prediction

Prediction: Ademola Adeleke is slightly more likely to win the Osun 2026 governorship election.

Ademola Adeleke (Accord): 50%

Bola Oyebamiji (APC): 40%

Najeem Salaam (ADC): 10%

These figures are mere analytical estimates, not opinion polls or official forecasts. The election could still swing towards Oyebamiji if the APC succeeds in consolidating its structures, increasing turnout in its strongholds and converting federal political influence into actual votes.

However, based on incumbency, Adeleke’s existing grassroots structure, recent defections to his camp and the current political momentum, the prediction at this stage is that Adeleke could narrowly retain the Osun Government House.

The outcome will ultimately depend on voter turnout, party organisation, election-day mobilisation and the actual votes cast and counted on August 15.

Predicted Winner: Ademola Adeleke — Accord Party.