Adebayo Emerges PDP Governorship Candidate in Osun After Adeleke’s Exit

Adebayo Adedamola has been elected as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2026 Osun State election following a primary held on Tuesday in Osogbo, in the absence of Governor Ademola Adeleke, who recently resigned from the party.

Adedamola, according to the chairman of the PDP primary committee, Humphrey Abba, scored 919 votes out of 957 cast. Abba disclosed that 20 votes were void and that one aspirant had withdrawn before the commencement of voting.

“The candidate that got the remaining votes is Adebayo Adedamola with 919 votes and stands elected and returned,” Abba declared.

Although Adeleke’s name initially appeared on the ballot alongside Adedamola, the primary committee noted that votes cast for the governor would be wasted, as he had officially left the PDP.

Voting commenced shortly after delegate accreditation, which concluded around 11:35 a.m., under tight security. Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and a delegation from the PDP national headquarters supervised the exercise. The venue was secured by the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Adeleke, who cited deepening national leadership crises within the PDP, tendered his resignation on Monday night. In a message on X, he stated that he had submitted his resignation to party leaders in his ward in Ede North Local Government and thanked the PDP for the platform that propelled him to the Senate and later the governorship.

While Adeleke’s next political move remains officially undisclosed, sources suggest he may be joining the Accord Party ahead of the 2026 governorship election slated for August 8.

Adeleke, who rose to prominence after winning the Osun West senatorial by-election in 2017 and later defeating then-incumbent Governor Gboyega Oyetola in 2022, leaves a vacuum in Osun politics. His exit is expected to reshape alliances and alter the dynamics of the forthcoming governorship contest.