Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s resignation from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has triggered a fresh wave of political uncertainty ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
A report by Sahara Reporters stated that political stakeholders in the state expressed concern that his departure, coming amid unresolved internal disputes within the PDP, could reshape projections for the forthcoming polls.
One stakeholder noted that the governor’s exit and the divisions within the party mean he will likely seek a new platform, a move expected to affect his campaign structure and support base.
Adeleke is not expected to join the All-Progressives Congress, APC, as he neither picked up nor submitted the party’s nomination form before the December 1 deadline. An APC chieftain said there was no pathway for him to emerge as the party’s standard bearer.
Further developments indicate that the African Democratic Congress,ADC, is also not a likely destination for the governor.
Sources said the party has adopted former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam, as its consensus candidate for the 2026 election, effectively shutting the door on any possible entry by Adeleke.
Stakeholders also highlighted the influence of former Senate President Bukola Saraki in the governor’s political moves.
Saraki, a known ally of Adeleke, has distanced himself from the ADC and maintained critical positions on recent PDP activities, including the convention held in Oyo State.
READ ALSO: Adeleke quits PDP over leadership crisis
Both he and Adeleke reportedly stayed away from the event, with Saraki calling for a caretaker committee to address the party’s crisis.
Findings suggest that the governor is currently weighing the Accord Party or the All-Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, as potential platforms.
The Accord Party chairman, Victor Akande, stated that the party would welcome Adeleke if he decides to join, noting that there is an existing waiver for interested aspirants.
Akande added that two individuals have already expressed interest in contesting on the party’s platform, though they have not made financial commitments.
Adeleke formally resigned from the PDP on November 4. In a letter addressed to the party chairman of Ward 2, Sagba Abogunde in Ede North Local Government Area, he cited persistent crises within the PDP’s national leadership as his reason for withdrawal.
He also expressed gratitude to the party for providing the platform that enabled his election as senator and later as governor.
His departure marks a significant shift in Osun’s political landscape, setting the stage for a highly competitive 2026 governorship race.
The Conclave
