Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown fresh uncertainty into the state’s 2026 governorship race, Chronicle Reporters has learnt.
Political observers say Adeleke’s exit from the PDP amid lingering internal crises has further complicated the political atmosphere ahead of the crucial election.
“The election will be intensely contested. The internal wrangling that pushed him out of the PDP means he must now rebuild his campaign structure and support base elsewhere,” a top political stakeholder in Osun told Chronicle Reporters.
Findings show the governor is unlikely to consider the All Progressives Congress (APC), having failed to pick or submit the party’s governorship nomination form before the December 1 deadline.
“He didn’t pick up the form or submit it. There’s no pathway for him to emerge as APC’s candidate,” an APC chieftain said on condition of anonymity.
Inside sources also confirmed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has settled on former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam, an ally of ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola as its consensus candidate.
“ADC already has its candidate. Adeleke won’t join a party where the ticket has been decided,” a political source said.
Political analysts also point to the role of Bukola Saraki, a long-time ally of Governor Adeleke, as a key factor in determining the governor’s next move.
According to a stakeholder, Saraki has openly distanced himself from the ADC, particularly after rumours linked him to the party following Bolaji Abdullahi’s emergence as ADC spokesperson.
“Saraki didn’t attend the controversial PDP convention in Oyo, and Adeleke also stayed away. Their political alignment is obvious—you can sometimes predict Adeleke’s next steps by watching Saraki,” the stakeholder noted.
Chronicle Reporters gathered that Adeleke is currently weighing two top options: the Accord Party and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Accord Party chairman, Victor Akande, signaled openness to receiving the governor if he chooses the party.
“We’ve not held any meeting with government officials about it, but if he joins us, we will welcome him wholeheartedly,” Akande told journalists, adding that the party already has a standing waiver for new entrants interested in contesting elections.
He confirmed that two aspirants have shown interest in the Accord ticket, though they are yet to make financial commitments.
Earlier, Governor Adeleke formally resigned from the PDP in a letter dated November 4, 2025, addressed to the party chairman in Ward 2, Sagba Abogunde, Ede North LGA.
He attributed his exit to the “current crisis within the national leadership of the PDP.”
Adeleke, who rose politically through the party’s platform—winning election as Senator for Osun West and later as Governor—expressed gratitude for the opportunities the party provided.