PDP Chieftain Accuses Adeleke of Obstructing Party’s Gubernatorial Candidate Presentation

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has been accused of attempting to prevent the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from presenting a candidate ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

Umar Sani, a PDP chieftain, made the allegation, saying the governor’s recent actions are designed to safeguard his own political future rather than that of the party.

Adebayo Adedamola emerged as the PDP governorship candidate for the Osun 2026 election on Tuesday. However, despite resigning from the party, Adeleke’s name appeared on the ballot paper during the PDP primary.

Sunday Solarin, Secretary of the primary committee, announced the start of voting shortly after delegate accreditation ended at about 11:35 a.m., noting that Adeleke and Adedamola were the two aspirants listed. Solarin emphasized that votes cast for Adeleke would be wasted and urged delegates to follow instructions during the process.

Speaking on ARISE NEWS on Friday, Sani said, “Governor Adeleke does not want PDP to field a candidate. He believes there is an issue within the PDP whose signature INEC will recognise. He is trying to move to another party with the intention of returning later. But PDP insists that anyone contesting must do so on our platform.”

He added, “The elections were conducted fairly, peacefully, and transparently. It was not hijacked by anyone. The process was also widely covered on social media.”

Addressing the argument that Adeleke’s actions might be justified given uncertainties over which PDP faction INEC may recognise, Sani stated, “He has the constitutional right to defect. But he must not block the party from presenting its own candidate. That is the major point. It is not about whether his decision is right or wrong.”

Regarding claims that the PDP might be using a placeholder candidate until the party leadership crisis is resolved, Sani clarified, “We currently have a candidate who emerged from our primaries. Substitutions can still be made within the allowed period. So while a placeholder is possible, we presently have an officially recognised candidate.”