As the December 15 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the submission of governorship candidates nears, Osun State’s political climate has become increasingly tense. Major parties are battling internal divisions, while Governor Ademola Adeleke remains undecided on the party platform for his 2026 re-election bid.
With less than a month to the close of primaries, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) are struggling to resolve internal crises that could shape the governorship race.
Once INEC released the timetable for the August 8, 2026 election, aspirants intensified consultations across the state. But unlike other parties, the PDP’s national leadership crisis has left Adeleke’s political future unclear, sparking discussions about a possible switch to another party.
Although Adeleke earlier pledged loyalty to the PDP, his recent political moves—including overtures to the APC—triggered concerns within the party. Despite pressure from PDP stakeholders in Osun, he eventually stayed back, though lingering factional battles involving blocs loyal to Seyi Makinde and Nyesom Wike continue to threaten his chances of securing the PDP ticket.
Several alternative platforms have reportedly been weighed by the governor’s camp, including the ADC, where former governor Rauf Aregbesola is National Secretary. However, spokesmen for Adeleke have denied any plans to join Aregbesola’s party. Party insiders, however, say the ADC option collapsed because its leadership insisted on fielding a candidate from Aregbesola’s loyalists.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Accord Party are among the other platforms said to be under consideration. PDP National Vice Chairman (South-West), Kamoru Ajisafe, recently confirmed that the search for an alternative party is still ongoing, citing the PDP’s unresolved leadership issues and the fast-approaching primary deadline.
Former Osun governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola also indicated that a final decision would be taken once Adeleke returns from his foreign trip, adding that Accord appears to be a viable option—though he may not defect with Adeleke if it contradicts his own political principles.
Meanwhile, PDP Media Director Oladele Bamiji said the governor’s camp is deliberately keeping quiet as a strategy to leave opponents guessing, insisting that Adeleke will be on the ballot, whether on the PDP platform or elsewhere.
APC: Intense Battle for Ticket as Factions Clash
The APC is also facing a turbulent build-up to its December 13 primary, with about 13 aspirants seeking the party’s ticket. Two major blocs have emerged: those loyal to former governor Adegboyega Oyetola backing former NIWA Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, and other former state officials supporting ex-Deputy Governor Senator Iyiola Omisore.
Accusations and counter-accusations have rocked the party, including an allegation that the APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, was abducted to obtain delegate lists—a claim later followed by a petition seeking a probe of Omisore’s tenure as APC National Secretary. Oyebamiji’s camp has denied any involvement, accusing unknown actors of trying to destabilize the party.
To prevent post-primary fallout, the APC Elder Caucus has urged aspirants to delay purchasing nomination forms until a screening committee concludes its work. Despite this, Omisore has already secured his form.
ADC: Calm on the Surface, Tension Beneath
Though the ADC appears quiet, internal tensions persist over zoning and candidate selection. While some leaders insist the governorship candidate should come from the West Senatorial District, others argue the ticket should be open to all zones. Aspirants believed to be eyeing the ticket include former SSG Moshood Adeoti, Senator Adelere Oriolowo, and former Speaker Najeem Salaam.
The ADC Media Director, Oluwaseun Abosede, however, insists the party remains united and that any disagreements have already been resolved, describing internal debates as healthy for party growth.
