The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially announced the suspension of its governorship primary election, a critical step towards the 2026 gubernatorial race. The party attributes this major decision to the unresolved leadership crisis at its national headquarters and a series of ongoing legal battles.
National Turmoil Forces Local Postponement
Addressing the press in Osogbo on Monday, the State Chairman, Sunday Bisi, revealed that the primary, initially scheduled for Tuesday, December 2, 2025, could no longer proceed. He explained that the exercise was derailed by developments beyond the control of the state chapter. This came despite Governor Ademola Adeleke having successfully been cleared by the party's screening committee on October 30, after submitting his nomination forms.
Bisi detailed how the situation escalated shortly after pre-primary activities were completed. The internal conflict at the PDP's national level intensified, featuring suspensions and counter-suspensions of key national officers. These individuals, he stressed, are legally central to organizing congresses, primaries, and most critically, submitting the party's candidate's name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Congress Disruptions and Legal Tangles
The chairman further clarified that this national instability made it impossible to conduct the mandatory ad-hoc ward and local government congresses. These congresses, slated for November 24 and 29, were where delegates for the governorship primaries were supposed to be elected. "These are the very congresses where delegates to the primaries are elected," Bisi stated.
He directly linked the suspension to active court cases, noting, "As you are all aware, the issues leading to these disruptions are presently before various courts across the country." Consequently, he declared it "inevitable, indeed unavoidable" that the primary planned for December 2nd be called off.
Adeleke's Candidacy in Limbo
While reaffirming that Governor Adeleke remained the sole aspirant who purchased, submitted, and was duly screened according to the party's timetable, Bisi dropped a significant revelation. He indicated that Adeleke "may not, any longer, be interested" in seeking the PDP's nomination unless a resolution recognized by INEC is reached within the electoral body's stipulated timeline.
Bisi emphasized that the authority to conduct governorship primaries rests solely with the PDP National Secretariat. However, the state chapter felt a duty to be transparent with the people of Osun. "As a party built on transparency and trust, it is only proper that we keep our members and the public abreast of these developments," he concluded, underscoring the party's commitment to open communication amidst the crisis.
