Osun PDP faces internal crisis ahead of 2026 governorship election

DDM News

Political tensions are increasing within the Osun State chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

The 2026 governorship election is approaching, and deep divisions exist within the ruling party as gathered by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM).

Reports suggest that some notable figures within the PDP are considering defection.

Both the PDP and its main rival, the All Progressives Congress (APC), are preparing strategies for the upcoming election.

The contest will determine control of Bola Ige House, the seat of government in Osun State.

In 2022, the PDP won power after defeating the APC in a closely contested election.

Former Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s administration suffered from internal conflicts that weakened the APC.

These divisions contributed to the PDP’s victory in the last election.

Ademola Adeleke, the PDP candidate, secured 403,371 votes against Oyetola’s 375,027 votes.

A fragile coalition helped Adeleke win the governorship election in 2022.

After assuming office, several key figures who supported him began to defect.

These defections have raised concerns about the PDP’s stability in Osun State.

Adeleke’s path to securing the PDP ticket in 2022 was not smooth.

He faced opposition from influential party members and former state leaders.

Notable figures such as Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Erelu Olusola Obada opposed his candidacy.

Senator Olu Alabi and other prominent members also resisted Adeleke’s nomination.

Despite these challenges, Adeleke received crucial support from party leadership.

The internal division led to two separate PDP governorship primaries.

One primary declared Adeleke as the candidate, while the other supported Dotun Babayemi.

The Supreme Court later validated Adeleke’s candidacy and ended the controversy.

Some APC members, including former commissioner Biyi Odunlade, defected to the PDP.

Despite gaining new members, PDP struggled with internal disagreements.

Several Adeleke supporters later felt sidelined and abandoned by the administration.

By May 2024, Babayemi and Akin Ogunbiyi left the PDP for the APC.

They cited broken promises and a lack of inclusivity within the PDP.

Babayemi claimed PDP leaders made last-minute efforts to prevent their exit.

He dismissed these attempts as insincere and decided to leave.

Chief Shuaib Oyedokun, a former PDP national vice chairman, also defected to the APC.

He expressed disappointment with the PDP’s departure from its founding principles.

Former Governor Oyinlola and other senior members also considered leaving the party.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo intervened and persuaded them to remain in the PDP.

More defections followed, further weakening the ruling party.

Kayode Oduoye, a former House of Representatives aspirant, left the PDP.

He accused Adeleke of concentrating power within his family.

Oduoye claimed this approach undermined the democratic values of the PDP.

Within 24 hours of his defection, the PDP suspended Peter Babalola.

This suspension further demonstrated the party’s ongoing internal struggles.

By late 2024, another crisis emerged within the PDP.

House of Representatives member Oluwole Oke publicly criticized Adeleke’s administration.

He accused the governor of neglecting the Ijesa people in the state.

Oke warned of political consequences if the governor failed to address their concerns.

Adeleke’s commissioners defended his administration’s performance.

They cited several developmental projects undertaken in the Ijesa region.

Despite these explanations, the controversy deepened divisions within the PDP.

PDP’s media director, Oladele Olabamiji, dismissed concerns about the defections.

He insisted that Adeleke’s leadership was strengthening the party.

He pointed to achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, and workers’ welfare.

Olabamiji claimed these accomplishments would secure the PDP’s re-election.

He also downplayed the importance of defectors within the party.

He argued that those who left had stopped contributing meaningfully to the PDP.

The 2026 governorship election in Osun State is drawing closer.

Adeleke’s supporters believe his governance will earn him a second term.

However, internal divisions within the PDP remain a major concern.

If these conflicts persist, the APC could regain power in the state.

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