Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has triggered fresh political uncertainty ahead of the state’s 2026 governorship election, SaharaReporters has gathered.
Stakeholders across the state say Adeleke’s exit—coming amid deepening internal crises within the PDP—has altered the political landscape and could significantly reshape the dynamics of the upcoming contest.
A political stakeholder who spoke to SaharaReporters noted that Adeleke’s departure would likely fragment the PDP’s support base, forcing the governor to seek an alternative platform.
“The election will be keenly contested because the internal division in the PDP, which forced him out, means he will have to find another party to contest under. This will definitely affect his campaign structure and his support base,” the source said.
APC Not a Likely Option
Findings show that Adeleke is not considering the All Progressives Congress (APC), as he neither obtained nor submitted the party’s governorship nomination form before the December 1 deadline.
“He didn’t pick up the party’s form or submit anything. There is no pathway for him to join the APC and emerge as its candidate. It is almost certain he is not joining the party,” an APC chieftain said on condition of anonymity.
ADC Already Has a Candidate
Sources further disclosed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has adopted Najeem Salaam, former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and an ally of ex-governor Rauf Aregbesola, as its consensus candidate.
“ADC has settled for Najeem Salaam as its candidate for 2026, so Adeleke will not consider joining them due to the already concluded arrangement,” another political insider explained.
Saraki’s Influence and the Search for a New Party
Stakeholders also highlighted the role of former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who is known to be a close ally of Adeleke. Saraki has publicly distanced himself from the ADC, despite speculation linking him to the party following Bolaji Abdullahi’s emergence as its spokesperson.
“Saraki did not attend the PDP convention in Oyo State and instead called for a caretaker committee to resolve the crisis. Adeleke also stayed away. Their political alignment suggests Adeleke’s next move may reflect Saraki’s stance,” a source said.
Current findings show that Adeleke is weighing the Accord Party and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as his most viable options.
Accord Party Opens Its Doors
The Accord Party’s state chairman, Victor Akande, has already expressed readiness to welcome Adeleke if he chooses to join.
“As chairman, I have not met anyone in government about Adeleke joining us, but if he comes, we will welcome him wholeheartedly,” Akande told The PUNCH.
He added that the party has an existing waiver for new entrants aspiring to contest elections.
Adeleke’s Exit Letter
SaharaReporters earlier reported that Governor Adeleke formally resigned from the PDP in a letter dated November 4, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of Ward 2, Sagba Abogunde in Ede North Local Government Area.
He cited the persistent crisis within the party’s national leadership as the reason for his exit.
“Due to the current crisis within the national leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), I hereby resign my membership of the party with immediate effect,” the letter read.
Adeleke also expressed appreciation to the PDP for providing the platform on which he was elected Senator representing Osun West and later Governor of Osun State.
“I thank the PDP for the opportunities given to me to serve,” he said.
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