Adebayo Adedamola wins the PDP ticket with 919 votes in the Osun 2026 primary, following Adeleke’s resignation from the party
Adebayo Adedamola on Tuesday emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the Osun 2026 election, securing the PDP ticket after winning 919 out of 957 votes cast in a decisive primary held in Osogbo, the state capital.
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Primary committee chairman Humphrey Abba declared the result, confirming 20 void votes and noting that Adedamola’s tally positioned him as duly elected.
He reminded delegates that one of the aspirants had withdrawn before the vote commenced.
The poll unfolded under unusual circumstances after Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, despite announcing his resignation from the PDP, still appeared on the printed ballot.
Secretary of the primary committee, Sunday Solarin, clarified before voting that Adeleke’s exit meant any votes cast for him would not count, urging delegates to adhere strictly to guidelines.
Delegates began casting their ballots shortly after accreditation ended at 11.35 a.m., following an 11.07 a.m. announcement by the committee chair signalling the start of proceedings.
Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission observed the exercise, which drew a strong security presence from the Department of State Security, the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Adeleke’s resignation, contained in a letter dated November 4, 2025 and addressed to his ward chairman in Ede North, cited ongoing crises within the PDP’s national leadership. His spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, confirmed the development.
Adeleke expressed gratitude for the party’s support throughout his political career, including his election as senator and later as governor.
His departure added further complexity to a party already grappling with internal disputes. Osun PDP Chairman Sunday Bisi said on Monday that the unresolved crises had derailed the initial December 2 primary date.
He added that Adeleke’s future political stance could shift if the disputes were resolved in time.
According to the electoral timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties have until December 15 to submit candidates for the August 2026 Osun governorship poll.
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The new development positions Adedamola at the forefront of the PDP’s bid, bolstered by a commanding mandate and renewed grassroots support.
