Akande also noted that politics should not be viewed negatively, attributing public distrust to the actions of individuals rather than the system itself.

He made the remarks on Wednesday during the 51st edition of The Frontliners, organized by the Veteran Journalists Association (VJA) of Osun State.

“In Accord, there is no godfather, but we have God as a father. Politics itself is not dirty; it is the people who make it so,” Akande said. He added that politics is divinely instituted, alongside the home, government, and the church, and stressed that misconduct is not unique to politics. “There is no profession in the world without some corrupt people,” he explained.

Addressing recent political developments, Akande revealed that Governor Ademola Adeleke emerged as the party’s governorship candidate following the primary election held on December 10, 2025. He explained that the party’s ballot position and internal unity strengthened its electoral appeal.

“Accord is number one on the ballot paper, which makes it easier for voters, especially in rural areas,” he said. He described the party as having a clean record, rooted in the ideology of welfarism. “Our vision is an egalitarian society where everybody becomes somebody. The governor’s agenda aligns with this vision,” he added.

Akande also highlighted efforts to boost public awareness of Adeleke’s candidature on the Accord platform, noting that grassroots mobilisation committees have been set up across towns, villages, and farm settlements.

Dismissing claims of internal disputes, he insisted that reports of factions within the party are unfounded. “There was no wrangling before the governor joined Accord. The so-called factions are unknown to the party,” he said.

He confirmed that the party had uploaded details of its governorship candidate on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal and assured full compliance with electoral requirements. Akande further emphasized that Accord would maintain full control of its structures in Osun State, with no other party taking over its organisational framework.

In his remarks, VJA Chairman Smollett Adetoyese Shittu-Alamu described Accord as a strong political force in the state, noting its growing influence in Osun politics. He explained that the association, formerly known as the League of Veteran Journalists, adopted its new name due to registration issues with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

Shittu-Alamu reaffirmed that veteran journalists remain key stakeholders in Osun State and stressed the association’s commitment to mentoring younger journalists. “We have a responsibility to show the next generation how it is done,” he said.