Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke may abandon his re-election bid on the Peoples Democratic Party platform. The state's PDP leadership stated this on Monday. They cited a severe national party crisis as the reason. This internal conflict has made holding a valid primary election impossible.
The party chairman said Adeleke's decision could change. A resolution recognized by electoral officials would be needed. This must happen before a critical mid-December deadline.
Governor Adeleke had fully participated in the PDP's initial process. He bought and submitted his nomination forms before the October 25 deadline. Party officials screened and cleared him for the race on October 30. He received a certificate of clearance from the party.
The process broke down due to fights within the PDP's national leadership. Key national officers were suspended and countersuspended. These officers are legally required to run party primaries. They are also needed to submit a candidate's name to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
This conflict created too much uncertainty. It directly impacted the election schedule. The party had to cancel crucial congresses scheduled for late November. These congresses were meant to elect delegates for the primary vote. The primary itself was planned for December 2. It can no longer proceed as planned.
The national crisis has split the PDP into clear factions. One faction is led by new National Chairman Tanimu Turaki. Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi back him. The opposing bloc is led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Senator Samuel Anyanwu also leads this group.
This split has real consequences. The two principal officers required to sign nomination forms belong to opposing factions. This makes getting official recognition for a candidate very difficult. Party analysts describe the situation as a full collapse of institutional order.
The electoral calendar adds intense pressure. INEC set December 15 as the final date. All political parties must submit their candidate's name by then. The Osun governorship election itself is scheduled for August 8, 2026. The looming deadline forces Adeleke to make a quick choice.
He must decide whether to wait for a fading hope. That hope is a last-minute PDP resolution. Otherwise, he must find a new political party quickly. His associates say the choice is now his to make. He recently returned from a foreign trip and will give direction.
One clear alternative is the Accord Party. Its state chairman said the party would welcome Adeleke. He promised the governor would receive a waiver to run on their ticket. The chairman called current talk of a defection "mere rumour". He confirmed no formal talks have happened yet.
A former Osun governor called Accord "a fair platform" for Adeleke. Reports suggest talks have also occurred with the All Progressives Grand Alliance. Adeleke's team has denied talks with the African Democratic Congress. Defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress remains another option, though a complex one.
Meanwhile, other parties are moving forward. The main opposition APC is preparing for its primary on December 13. At least fourteen aspirants have shown interest. Former deputy governor Benedict Alabi is a prominent contender. A support group bought the nomination form for him.
Alabi submitted his forms at the APC national secretariat on Monday. He denied reports that the party had adopted a consensus candidate. He said he had the blessing of his former boss, ex-governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
The crisis has broader implications for Nigerian democracy. Analysts warn that a main opposition party's collapse is dangerous. It risks turning Nigeria into a one-party state. They note troubling signs like open partisanship in courts. Politicians ignoring party rules is another concern.
For Adeleke, the choice involves major political risk. Staying loyal to the PDP could leave him without a platform. Joining a small party offers a ballot slot but lacks strong statewide machinery. Moving to the APC would solve the nomination issue but could be seen as desperate.
The coming two weeks will be decisive. Governor Adeleke must secure a legitimate platform before the December 15 cutoff. His decision will shape the Osun governorship race. It will also influence the future of Nigeria's main opposition party.