Adedamola Adebayo emerges as PDP governorship candidate in Osun, while Governor Adeleke stays away amid internal party disputes.
Adedamola Adebayo emerges the PDP candidate for the 2026 Osun governorship election as Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and other senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders were notably absent on Tuesday
Adebayo secured a commanding victory, polling 919 votes out of 957 accredited delegates during the exercise held in Osogbo.
“Void votes, 20. We told you earlier that one of the aspirants withdrew. The candidate that got the remaining votes is Adebayo Adedamola with 919 votes and stands elected and returned,” declared Humphrey Abba, chairman of the primary election committee.
Despite resigning from the PDP earlier on Tuesday, Adeleke’s name still appeared on the ballot, one of only two aspirants cleared for the primary. Sunday Solarin, Secretary of the primary committee, clarified:
“Although Adeleke had withdrawn, his name remained on the ballot. Votes for Adeleke would eventually amount to waste.”
Security was tight across the venue, with personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS), police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) stationed at all entry points. The exercise commenced at 11:07 a.m., following the arrival of INEC representatives and the PDP national committee led by Abba.
The lead-up to the primary exposed deep divisions within the Osun PDP. Factional officials issued conflicting directives: while Theophilus Shan, a factional National Organising Secretary, insisted the primary would proceed, Umar Bature, holding the same office in another faction, announced a postponement.
Governor Adeleke’s resignation letter, dated December 4, 2025, addressed to his ward chairman in Ede North, cited the party’s national leadership crisis as the reason for his exit. Osun PDP chairman Sunday Bisi had previously suggested Adeleke might reconsider his resignation if the party’s internal disputes were resolved in time.
With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) setting December 15 as the deadline for parties to submit candidates for the August 8, 2026 Osun governorship election, the PDP now faces the task of consolidating its position ahead of a crucial political contest.
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