In a stunning political development, the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has openly declared support for Governor Ademola Adeleke's second-term ambition, despite his recent defection to the Accord Party. The party leadership has stated it will work against its own candidate to ensure Adeleke's victory in the 2026 governorship poll.
PDP Structure Throws Weight Behind Defector
The Chairman of the PDP in Osun State, Sunday Bisi, made the controversial declaration in an interview in Osogbo. He confirmed that the entire structure of the PDP in Osun is behind Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term. Adeleke recently left the PDP and joined the Accord Party, where he secured the party's ticket for the August 8, 2026 governorship election.
Bisi clarified that he personally would not be decamping to the Accord Party, as his tenure as PDP Chairman runs until 2027. However, he was unequivocal about the party's direction. "We have already endorsed him for a second term, and we will ensure that happens. He will win convincingly," Bisi stated.
Ignoring the Party's Own Candidate
When questioned about the PDP's own governorship candidate, Adebayo Adedamola (FRYO), Chairman Bisi feigned ignorance of his existence. He insisted that the PDP's priority is to secure victory for Governor Adeleke under the Accord Party platform, effectively sidelining its official flagbearer.
This move raises immediate concerns about potential accusations of anti-party activities. Bisi dismissed these fears, citing political precedents in Nigeria. He referenced the PDP's national endorsement of President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for a second term and past collaborations like the ACN supporting the APC.
"There is nothing like anti-party in us supporting Adeleke for a second term... So, there is a precedent, and that has come to stay in Nigerian politics. We are not doing anything new," Bisi argued.
Oyinlola Distances Himself, Stays with PDP
In a contrasting stance, former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has publicly distanced himself from Adeleke's defection. Speaking at the second matriculation ceremony of the Alolade Oyinlola College of Health Sciences and Information Technology in Okuku, where about 90 students were admitted, Oyinlola reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP.
He firmly declared that he would not be following Adeleke to the Accord Party. "I won't leave PDP unless the party goes into extinction. I am not following Demola to Accord. At my age, I cannot be pushed around. I'm gradually withdrawing from active politics. I will be 75 in February," the former governor stated, emphasizing that neither age nor principle would allow him to abandon the party.
This development sets the stage for a highly unconventional 2026 governorship race in Osun State, where the machinery of one major party is being deployed to support the candidate of another, signaling a significant realignment in the state's political landscape.
