The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has announced the suspension of its governorship primary election, blaming the unresolved leadership crisis at the party’s national level. The party also warned that Governor Ademola Adeleke may reconsider seeking re-election in 2026 if the impasse is not resolved through an INEC-recognised process.
The state PDP chairman, Sunday Bisi, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists in Osogbo. He said the primary, which was initially scheduled for December 2, had become impossible to conduct due to suspensions and counter-suspensions involving key national officers.
According to Bisi, the officials at the centre of the dispute play critical roles in supervising congresses and forwarding candidates’ names to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), making a valid primary unattainable under the current circumstances.
“In view of the prevailing situation, the PDP governorship primary earlier slated for Tuesday, December 2, 2025, can no longer hold as planned,” he stated.
Bisi confirmed that Governor Adeleke remains the only aspirant who purchased the party’s nomination form, submitted it, and passed the screening process. However, he noted that the governor is now growing hesitant to proceed with the race due to the lingering leadership uncertainty.
“Given the crisis at the national level, information available to me indicates that Governor Ademola Adeleke may no longer be willing to pursue the PDP ticket for the 2026 election unless a resolution recognised by INEC is achieved within the stipulated timeframe,” he said.
The chairman explained that the turmoil had already stalled the ward congresses scheduled for November 24 and the local government congresses fixed for November 29, which were meant to produce delegates for the primary.
He added that several aspects of the dispute are currently before various courts across the country, further complicating efforts to move forward.
Reaffirming the governor’s compliance with party procedures, Bisi said Adeleke completed all required processes, including the purchase and submission of nomination forms between October 13 and 25, and his appearance before the screening committee on October 30, where he was cleared without objections.
Bisi stressed that the organisation of the primary now rests with the PDP national secretariat once the leadership crisis is resolved. He assured that the Osun chapter would continue to keep the public informed on any new developments.
He also said both the state and national leaderships are working to secure a lawful and timely resolution to protect the party’s chances in the 2026 Osun governorship election.
