As the December 15 deadline for submitting governorship candidates in the Osun election approaches, the state’s political landscape is heating up. The Independent National Electoral Commission set this deadline, and with less than a month to go, major parties are grappling with internal crises. The All Progressives Congress (APC) is divided among aspirants, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces turmoil, and incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke remains undecided on the platform for his re‑election bid.
The PDP’s situation has been complicated by a national leadership crisis that has cast a shadow over the party’s preparations for the poll. Although Adeleke publicly assured that he would stay in the PDP, his political moves have suggested plans to join the APC. After considering the governor’s overtures, opposition party structures in Osun openly opposed his defection. Adeleke has been exploring alternative platforms, with nearly a dozen other parties mentioned as potential options. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), where former Governor Rauf Aregbesola serves as National Secretary, was touted as a possible venue, but the governor’s spokesperson denied this. The All Progressives Grand Alliance and Accord have also been floated as alternatives.
Within the Osun APC, the atmosphere is frantic, with 13 aspirants vying for the ticket. Two major blocs have emerged: the party’s core structure backs former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority Bola Oyebamiji, while some government officials who served with former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola support former Deputy Governor Senator Iyiola Omisore. The APC Elder Caucus is working toward a consensus arrangement to reduce tension and prevent post‑primary crises. However, with the primary scheduled for December 13, allegations and counter‑allegations have surfaced between the two blocs. Party leadership has cautioned aspirants to beware of “fifth columnists” bent on causing disharmony and disunity.
In the ADC, the situation appears calm, but pressure is building ahead of its primary. A personality clash has emerged between the Omoluabi Progressives and Senator Kola Ogunwale. The former announced that the ADC would look to the West Senatorial District to pick its candidate, while Ogunwale dismissed that position, insisting the candidate could come from any part of the state.
As the deadline for submitting governorship candidates looms, the political landscape in Osun remains uncertain. With major parties wrestling with internal crises and Adeleke still undecided on his re‑election platform, the outcome of the election is far from clear. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the direction of the state’s politics, and the people of Osun will be watching closely as the situation unfolds.
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