Osun PDP Postpones Governorship Primary Amid Party Crisis

The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed its 2026 governorship primary election because of internal disputes within the party’s national leadership. The primary had been scheduled for December 2, 2025.

In a statement released in Osogbo, state chairman Sunday Bisi confirmed that Governor Ademola Adeleke had complied with all procedural requirements set out in the PDP nomination timetable. The governor purchased and submitted his expression of interest and nomination forms between October 13 and 25, 2025, and appeared before the Screening Committee on October 30, 2025. He was cleared and issued a Certificate of Clearance.

However, shortly after the screening, conflicts at the national level escalated, leading to the suspension of key officers responsible for overseeing congresses and primaries. The leadership crisis, now the subject of multiple court cases nationwide, prevented the ward and local government congresses slated for November 24 and 29, 2025—events that were to elect delegates for the primaries. Consequently, the PDP governorship primaries cannot proceed as planned.

The party chairman reiterated that Governor Adeleke remains the only aspirant who has purchased, submitted, and been screened in accordance with the official timetable. Nonetheless, the ongoing national leadership dispute raises concerns that the governor may withdraw his candidacy unless a resolution recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is reached within the electoral timeframe.

The PDP emphasized that the responsibility for conducting primaries lies solely with the National Secretariat, but it deemed it necessary to keep members and the public informed. Efforts are underway to secure a lawful and timely resolution to the crisis. The party reaffirmed its commitment to complying with electoral guidelines and maintaining transparency in all processes.

The postponement underscores the challenges the PDP faces in Osun State. Resolving internal disputes and holding a successful primary will be crucial for the party’s prospects in the 2026 governorship election. With the electoral timetable approaching, swift action is needed to avoid further complications.