Despite resignation from PDP, Adeleke appears on ballot for party’s guber primary

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun is currently holding its governorship primary in the state.

The election comes despite the declaration by Sunday Bisi, Osun PDP chairman, on Monday that the scheduled December 2, 2025, primary could not hold due to the lingering national leadership crisis.

The chairman also said that Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun, may withdraw from seeking the party’s ticket for the 2026 gubernatorial election unless the ongoing national leadership crisis is resolved in a manner recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and within its timelines.

“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,” he added.

Afterwards, the Kabiru Turaki-led PDP national working committee (NWC) insisted on proceeding with the primary as scheduled.

In an unexpected turn of events, Adeleke resigned his membership of the PDP and attributed his decision to the crisis within the party’s national leadership.

However, on Tuesday afternoon, party delegates arrived at Adolak Hall in Osogbo for the primary amidst tight security to forestall any violence.

Party delegates with the its electoral committee, led by Humphery Abba, are also present at the venue.

Other members of the committee include Barr. Marc Jacob, Chief Sanya Atofarati, Scholastical Kenebi, Anene Azubuike, Splendour Josephine, and Sunday Solarin, who serves as the secretary.

Despite his resignation from the party, Adeleke’s name appeared on the ballot paper alongside Adebayo Olugbenga Adedamola as the only two candidates vying to be elected as the party’s flag bearer for the 2026 election.

Meanwhile, INEC has fixed August 8, 2026 for the election, one of the few off-cycle governorship poll.