The political atmosphere in Osun State grew more uncertain on Monday as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced the suspension of its scheduled December 2 governorship primary. The party cited escalating internal disputes that have cast serious doubt on whether Governor Ademola Adeleke still intends to seek the PDP ticket for the 2026 election.
Speaking at a press briefing in Osogbo, the State Chairman, Sunday Bisi, explained that the party’s national turmoil had crippled preparations for the primary. According to him, the leadership crisis — marked by suspensions and counter-suspensions of national officers — has disrupted the statutory processes required for valid primaries and the transmission of a candidate’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Bisi revealed that Governor Adeleke had already completed all preliminary steps, including purchasing and submitting nomination documents within the official window and appearing before the screening committee, which cleared him without objection. However, the breakdown in the party’s hierarchy created procedural uncertainties that made it impossible to continue with the primaries.
He added that key congresses meant to elect delegates at ward and local government levels, slated for November 24 and 29, were stalled due to ongoing litigations across different courts.
“With these legal and procedural roadblocks, holding a credible primary on December 2 is no longer feasible,” Bisi said, stressing that the governor’s final decision will depend on whether the national leadership crisis is resolved in a manner accepted by INEC and within electoral timelines.
Political watchers note that speculation about a possible defection by Governor Adeleke has intensified, though there is no confirmed information about where he might head if he leaves the PDP.
The development adds another layer to the PDP’s long-running internal fractures nationwide, highlighting broader issues of party cohesion ahead of the 2026 elections.
