In a dramatic display of political determination, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State forged ahead with its governorship primary election on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, despite a day of high-stakes uncertainty. The exercise, held at the Adolak Hall in Osogbo, unfolded under a formidable security cordon as party delegates gathered to select a candidate for the 2026 gubernatorial race.
Primary Proceeds Despite Leadership Turmoil
The event was nearly derailed earlier in the day following the shocking resignation of the state's sitting governor, Ademola Adeleke, from the PDP. Governor Adeleke's exit, linked to the ongoing crisis within the party's national leadership, sent immediate shockwaves through the state chapter, casting doubt on the primary's viability. Seizing on the confusion, the State Chairman, Sunday Bisi, announced a suspension of the exercise, citing unresolved national issues and paralysis from counter-suspensions of key national officers.
However, this directive was swiftly overruled by the party's national headquarters. The National Organising Secretary, Theophilus Shan, dismissed Bisi's position, insisting the primary would proceed as originally scheduled. This authoritative intervention cleared the path for the electoral process to commence, underscoring a significant rift between the state and national leadership.
A Tense and Monitored Exercise
By 11 a.m., Adolak Hall was filled with accredited delegates as security operatives tightly controlled entry and movement around the venue. The PDP's electoral committee, headed by Humphery Abba and including members such as Marc Jacob, Chief Sanya Atofarati, Scholastical Kenebi, Chief Anene Azubuike, Splendour Josephine, and secretary Dr. Sunday Solarin, took charge. They supervised the accreditation process as delegates queued up, with proceedings expected to extend into the afternoon ahead of voting.
Adding a layer of official oversight, officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present to observe the exercise. Their monitoring signaled federal interest in a primary that had become a flashpoint for the party's internal disagreements. Party members on the ground noted that the strong turnout of delegates reflected a collective determination to conclude the candidate selection process without further delay, despite the surrounding confusion.
Fallout from Adeleke's Surprise Resignation
The shadow of Governor Adeleke's resignation loomed large over the entire event. His departure, announced just hours before the primary, threw the race into profound uncertainty. Delegates and stakeholders were left questioning the direction of the exercise, with many unsure if Adeleke would still seek the party's ticket for 2026. The move reportedly sparked significant confusion among aspirants and the state leadership, creating an atmosphere of political suspense that contrasted with the orderly, security-heavy proceedings inside the hall.
The successful convening of the primary, against this backdrop of high-level defection and internal conflict, highlights the PDP's struggle to maintain cohesion in Osun State. It sets the stage for a contentious build-up to the 2026 elections, with the party now tasked with unifying behind a candidate who can navigate the fallout from today's events.
