Crisis Deepens: Osun PDP Halts Governorship Primary Amid Leadership Turmoil – Could Governor Adeleke Walk Away?
The political atmosphere in Osun State just got more tense. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has abruptly suspended its planned governorship primary amid a deepening leadership crisis threatening the party’s national structure. At the center of this uncertainty is Governor Ademola Adeleke, who may reportedly abandon his bid for a second term if the internal chaos isn’t resolved quickly — and in a way recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Osun PDP Chairman Sunday Bisi confirmed that the primary, originally set for December 2, can no longer go ahead. He explained that the suspension battles and counter-suspensions involving key national executives — those responsible for certifying delegates and submitting official candidate lists to INEC — have made it impossible to hold a credible exercise.
“In view of these developments,” Bisi stated, “it has become not just necessary but inevitable to postpone the PDP governorship primaries earlier slated for Tuesday, December 2, 2025.” He emphasized that Governor Ademola Adeleke remains the only aspirant who has formally purchased, submitted, and undergone screening in line with the official timetable.
But there’s a twist. “Given the ongoing turbulence within our party’s national leadership, the information available to me suggests that the governor may reconsider his participation unless a resolution validated by INEC and consistent with its deadlines is achieved,” Bisi cautioned.
According to Bisi, the same internal strife has already forced the suspension of the PDP’s ad-hoc ward congresses on November 24, and the local government congresses scheduled for November 29. Both events were expected to produce delegates for the primary. Many of the disputed issues behind these disruptions are now subjects of legal battles across multiple courts in Nigeria.
Bisi reiterated that Senator Adeleke had followed every rule required under the party’s nomination timetable. “His Excellency completed all the necessary steps between October 13 and 25, 2025 — the official window for obtaining and submitting nomination documents. He later faced the party’s Screening Committee on October 30, where he was cleared without any reservation and issued a Certificate of Clearance,” he said.
However, Bisi stressed that the responsibility for organizing primaries lies solely with the PDP’s national secretariat — a body currently fractured by infighting. Until its leadership crisis is lawfully settled, no credible primary can proceed. Still, he assured that both the state and national arms of the party are working together to find a resolution within INEC’s strict timelines.
And here’s where it gets controversial: could the dispute at the national level push Osun’s sitting governor to abandon his party at such a critical moment? If Governor Adeleke steps away, how will that reshape the PDP’s prospects in one of Nigeria’s most politically competitive states?
What do you think — should Adeleke stay and fight for order within the PDP, or distance himself from a party mired in internal battles? Share your thoughts in the comments. This one’s bound to stir heated debate.
