December 01, (THEWILL) — The deepening crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party has cast significant doubt on Governor Ademola Adeleke’s chances of securing a second term in the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
At a press briefing in Osogbo on Monday, the Osun PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi, said the internal turmoil at the national level had made it impossible for the party to conduct its governorship primary earlier scheduled for December 2, 2025.
Bisi explained that Governor Adeleke had complied with all requirements set out in the PDP’s nomination timetable.
He said the governor “purchased and submitted the expression of interest and nomination forms within the stipulated window of October 13 to 25, 2025,” meeting the deadline for submission.
He added that Adeleke appeared before the party’s screening committee on October 30, was examined, cleared without reservations, and issued a Certificate of Clearance in line with party procedures.
However, the chairman said the escalating leadership crisis at the national level, including the suspension and counter-suspension of officials responsible for conducting congresses and primaries, threw preparations into disarray and created uncertainty around the process.
“The statutory ward and local government congresses scheduled for November 24 and 29 respectively could not hold. These are the congresses where delegates to the primaries are elected,” he said.
He noted that several related matters are now before various courts across the country.
Bisi stressed that the disruption made it impossible to proceed with the primary as planned.
“It has become inevitable, indeed unavoidable, that the PDP governorship primary earlier slated for Tuesday, December 2, 2025, can no longer hold as scheduled,” he stated.
He further disclosed that the crisis had taken a toll on Adeleke’s interest in contesting.
“The information at my disposal is that Governor Ademola Adeleke may no longer be interested in seeking the PDP nomination for the 2026 Osun gubernatorial election, except a resolution recognised by INEC is reached within the INEC timeline,” he said.
The PDP leadership said reconciliation and formal recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission remain critical to restoring confidence and stabilising the party ahead of the crucial governorship poll.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
