iDeemlawfulGovernor Ademola Adeleke has reportedly stepped back from pursuing a second-term ticket under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State.
The party’s state chairman, Sunday Bisi, disclosed this on Monday during a press conference in Osogbo, the state capital.
He explained that the 2026 governorship primary, initially planned for Tuesday, has been called off.
According to him, although the governor remains the party’s lone contender, the ongoing internal turmoil made the cancellation unavoidable.
Bisi pointed out that, based on the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which regulates the conduct of the primary election, the PDP can only lawfully present a candidate through a resolution properly endorsed by the electoral body.
He added that the crisis hindered the statutory ad-hoc ward and local government congresses set for November 24 and 29, which did not take place. “These are the very congresses where delegates to the primaries are elected”.
His words, “In the light of the foregoing, it has become inevitable, indeed unavoidable, that the PDP governorship primaries earlier slated for Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, can no longer hold as scheduled. It is equally important to restate, for the record, that Governor Ademola Adeleke remains the sole aspirant who purchased, submitted, and was duly screened in line with the party’s official timetable.
However, because of the internal crisis rocking the national leadership of our party, the information at my disposal is that Governor Ademola Adeleke may not, any longer be interested in seeking the nomination of the PDP for the 2026 Osun Gubernatorial Election, except a resolution recognized by INEC is reached within the INEC timeline.
“While we acknowledge that the conduct of primaries rests exclusively with the National Secretariat of the PDP, when the current leadership crisis is finally resolved. We also recognize our responsibility to the good people of Osun State. As a party built on transparency and trust, it is only proper that we keep our members and the public abreast of these developments”.
The PDP is engulfed in a major leadership struggle between two opposing blocs. One camp is aligned with newly elected National Chairman Tanimu Turaki and backed by Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi. This faction recently convened a convention in Ibadan, claiming authority over the party and announcing the removal of rivals. Adeleke’s absence from the gathering highlighted the uncertainty of his standing.
On the other side is the Wike faction, loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Senator Samuel Anyanwu. Anyanwu has dismissed his reported removal, maintaining that he remains the legitimate National Secretary and that the Turaki faction lacks the power to oust him.
The dispute escalated on 18 November when both sides confronted each other at the party’s national headquarters, leading security personnel to release teargas.
Meanwhile, the Wike-aligned group has taken the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to court, seeking to halt recognition of the Ibadan convention.
Do you think Adeleke will contest the 2026 Osun election under a different party, or will PDP resolve its internal crisis in time? Let’s know your views in the comment section.
