Adebayo Olugbenga Adedamola, popularly known as FRYO, has been declared the winner of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) primary election for the Osun State governorship election, scheduled to take place on August 8, 2026. The primary election was held in Osogbo on Tuesday, with a significant security presence.
According to the chairman of the primary election committee, Humphrey Abba, Adebayo secured 919 votes out of 957 accredited ballots, resulting in a clear victory. Abba explained that there were 20 void votes following the withdrawal of one of the candidates, believed to be Governor Ademola Adeleke. Despite announcing his resignation from the party, Adeleke’s name appeared on the ballot paper for the PDP governorship primary.
The exercise was conducted in accordance with established guidelines, with accredited delegates participating in the voting process. Party officials confirmed that the primary election was held in a fair and transparent manner. However, it is worth noting that the Osun PDP chairman, Sunday Bisi, had previously announced that the governorship primary would be postponed due to a leadership crisis at the national level. Nevertheless, a faction of the party proceeded with the exercise as planned.
Adeleke had announced his resignation from the party in a letter dated November 4, 2025, addressed to the PDP leadership at his ward. The move had raised questions about the party’s leadership and the potential impact on the upcoming governorship election. With Adebayo’s victory, the PDP now has a candidate for the August 2026 election. The outcome of the primary election is significant, as it sets the stage for the upcoming governorship election in Osun State.
The development is likely to have implications for the state’s political landscape, and the PDP’s chances in the upcoming election. As the party prepares for the election, it remains to be seen how the outcome of the primary election will affect the party’s fortunes. The election is scheduled to take place in August 2026, and the PDP will be looking to build on Adebayo’s momentum in the coming months.