Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has added a new layer of uncertainty to the state’s 2026 governorship race, SaharaReporters has learned. Political observers say his departure amid ongoing internal conflicts within the PDP could complicate predictions for the upcoming election.
“The election is likely to be highly competitive. The internal divisions that forced him out of the PDP mean he will now seek another party to contest under, which will affect his campaign structure, support base, and other dynamics,” a political stakeholder in Osun told SaharaReporters.
It appears unlikely that Adeleke will join the All Progressives Congress (APC), as he neither collected nor submitted the party’s governorship nomination form before the December 1 deadline.
“He didn’t pick up or submit the APC nomination form, so it’s highly improbable that he will join the party or become its candidate,” an APC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told SaharaReporters.
Sources further revealed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has already endorsed Najeem Salaam, a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and ally of ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola, as its consensus candidate for 2026. This makes Adeleke’s potential entry into the party unlikely.
“ADC has settled on Najeem Salaam as their candidate, so it’s unlikely Adeleke will consider joining them due to the pre-decided candidature,” a political insider said.
Another factor that may shape Adeleke’s next move is the influence of Bukola Saraki, the former Senate President and a known ally of the governor. Saraki, however, has distanced himself from the ADC, denying any involvement despite rumors linking him to Bolaji Abdullahi’s role as the party’s spokesperson.
The insider added, “Saraki, who is a major influence, called for a caretaker committee to resolve the PDP’s crisis and did not attend the Oyo State convention. Adeleke also skipped it. Observing Saraki’s actions can give insight into Adeleke’s next steps.”
Reports indicate that Adeleke is considering either the Accord Party or the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as potential alternatives. Accord Party chairman Victor Akande has expressed readiness to welcome Adeleke if he chooses to join.
“The matter of Governor Adeleke is still just a rumor. We haven’t met anyone in government about it. If he decides to join our party, he will be welcomed fully. There’s a standing waiver for new entrants who wish to contest, just like any other interested member,” Akande told The PUNCH.
Earlier reports confirmed that Adeleke formally resigned from the PDP on November 4, 2025, citing ongoing turmoil within the party’s national leadership. In a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ward 2, Sagba Abogunde, in Ede North Local Government Area, Adeleke said:
“Due to the current crisis within the national leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), I hereby resign my membership of the People’s Democratic Party with immediate effect.”
The governor also expressed gratitude to the PDP for providing the platform that enabled his election as Senator for Osun West and later as governor.
“I thank the People’s Democratic Party for the opportunities given to me for my elections as Senator (Osun West) and as Governor of Osun State under the PDP,” he stated.
