The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has officially rejected the dissolution of its State Working Committee (SWC) by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), a development that underscores ongoing internal divisions within the opposition party ahead of crucial electoral contests.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Mr. Sunday Bisi, chairman of the Osun PDP SWC and issued in Osogbo on Friday, January 16, 2026, the embattled state leadership described the NWC’s actions as illegitimate and urged grassroots members to remain calm but vigilant.
“The party’s structures in the state remain lawful, intact and fully operational,” the statement read, adding that “no amount of external pressure, unlawful national posturing, or recycled intimidation can invalidate a structure that derives its legitimacy from due process and the collective will of party members in Osun State.”
The SWC also warned members to disregard any “signals, statements or directives emanating from unauthorised quarters, particularly those clearly unknown to law,” affirming their continued support for the administration of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke and the party’s preparations for forthcoming elections.
In contrast to the SWC’s rejection, a faction within the party known as Professionals in Osun PDP has thrown its weight behind the NWC’s decision to install a caretaker committee to manage party affairs in the state.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Sam Segun-Progress, the group insisted that the appointment of the caretaker committee was justified “going by the actions and inactions of the erstwhile state working committee of the party.”
“With the caretaker committee in place, Osun PDP will begin its rebuilding and reorganisation to position it for the tasks ahead without further distractions,” Mr. Segun-Progress said, urging the new leadership to “rally round members of the party who had been abandoned and ostracised by the erstwhile state working committee” and to begin resolving grievances “to give genuine PDP members a sense of belonging.”
According to the party’s National Organising Secretary, Theophilus Shan, the caretaker committees, approved by the NWC acting on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), were set up pursuant to Section 29(2)(b) of the PDP Constitution (2025).
In Osun State, Tunde Tijani was appointed chairman of the caretaker committee, with Bamidele Seyi-Abiola as secretary and Lateef Mumini Obide as a member. Other appointed members include Alhaji Sarafa Gbadamosi, Adewoyin Babatunde, Ajileye Wasiu Aderemi and Oluresi Adebanji.
Shan emphasised that the caretaker committees are tasked with managing party affairs in their respective states in line with constitutional provisions, with tenure not exceeding 90 days or until a new executive committee is elected.
The Osun chapter’s rejection of the NWC’s action reflects broader fractures within the PDP’s national structure, a crisis marked by competing factions and contestations over leadership legitimacy. Analysts have noted that disputes between the national leadership and some state chapters are symptomatic of ongoing struggles over direction, process and influence ahead of the 2026 governorship and 2027 general elections.
In recent months, similar caretaker committee appointments and internal disagreements have unfolded in several states as different interest groups within the PDP jockey for control, highlighting the fragile cohesion of one of Nigeria’s major political parties.
As the standoff unfolds, party members, supporters and political observers will be watching closely to see whether the SWC’s defiance or the NWC’s caretaker initiative will prevail in shaping the Osun PDP’s organisational future.
