The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its resolve to secure victory for Governor Ademola Adeleke in the 2026 governorship election, declaring that all party structures will be fully mobilised in his support, despite his defection to the Accord Party.
The state PDP Chairman, Mr Sunday Bisi, said the party has no other recognised governorship candidate in Osun, describing Adeleke as the only political option acceptable to the party’s leadership and grassroots.
Governor Adeleke formally resigned from the PDP on November 4 and joined the Accord Party on December 9, where he emerged as the party’s flagbearer for the 2026 poll. In spite of his exit, the PDP went ahead with its governorship primary held in Osogbo on December 2, during which Mr Adedamola Adebayo reportedly secured 919 votes out of 957 accredited delegates.
However, the exercise was largely boycotted by key stakeholders of the party, including Bisi and several elected and appointed office holders, raising questions about the legitimacy and political weight of the primary.
Speaking on the development, Bisi described Adeleke’s defection as a strategic move aimed at safeguarding his candidacy from potential legal pitfalls arising from the internal crisis within the PDP at the national level.
“The governor’s decision was a doctrine of necessity. With the way the PDP crisis was unfolding, there was a real risk that his nomination could be challenged or disqualified. We had to act wisely and protect our collective interest,” he said.
He insisted that the PDP in Osun remains united and focused on continuity in governance, stressing that party loyalty, in this instance, must give way to political pragmatism.
According to Bisi, Adeleke’s popularity, performance in office and strong grassroots connection across the state give him a clear advantage ahead of the 2026 election.
“Our structures are intact, our leaders are aligned and our objective is clear. We are working for the victory of Governor Adeleke because that is what serves the interest of Osun people,” the PDP chairman said.
