⁷The political future of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has become the biggest topic in the state after he formally announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His decision has thrown the political space into uncertainty, especially with the December 15 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the submission of candidates for the 2026 governorship election.
Governor Adeleke confirmed his exit in a letter addressed to his ward chairman in Sagba Abogunde, Ward 2, Ede North, dated November 4. He attributed his resignation to the deepening leadership crisis within the PDP at the national level. According to him, the party’s internal issues have made it difficult for him to continue.
With his departure, the big question is: On which platform will Adeleke contest for a second term?
PDP in Crisis, APC Out of the Question?
Before he finally quit the PDP, Adeleke had faced months of internal battles. The party has been divided between factions loyal to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. The crisis made it almost impossible for the PDP to organise a credible primary before the INEC deadline.
Some PDP leaders in the South-West, including National Vice Chairman Kamoru Ajisafe, openly admitted that the PDP may not be able to present a governorship candidate for the 2026 election. This strengthened rumours that Adeleke would seek another platform.
Earlier in the year, there were signs he was considering the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the national level, but stiff resistance from Osun APC leaders frustrated that move. Former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola later confirmed that many of them would not have followed Adeleke to the APC if he had defected.
ADC Considered but Rejected
Another party strongly mentioned was the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where former Governor Rauf Aregbesola serves as National Secretary. Even though Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson denied any negotiation with Aregbesola’s camp, insiders confirmed that the ADC was actually discussed.
However, the party reportedly insisted on adopting a governorship candidate from Aregbesola’s supporters, making the platform unsuitable for Adeleke.
APGA and NNPP Emerge as Final Options
With PDP in crisis, APC blocked, and ADC ruled out, attention shifted to etwo other parties: the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the New Nigeria People’s Party t
Confidentiàal sources revealed that pAdeleke narrowed his choice to both parties but has now settled for APGA, mainly because of the party’s name recognition, structure, and the belief that it will give him freer control to run without internal obstruction.
According to one source, “Adeleke had two options – NNPP and APGA. He has settled for APGA.”
APGA is said to have appealed to him because it offers a cleaner platform with less internal crisis and a nationally recognisable identity.
Attempts to get clarification from the governor’s spokesperson were unsuccessful.
Gov may strike the chord with Accord Party
Fresh indications suggest that the may be preparing to contest the June 2026 governorship election under the Accord Part.
According to authoritative sources familiar with developments within his camp, the governor’s team has been quietly engaging stakeholders of the Accord Party in recent weeks, even as his political base remains unsettled. The uncertainty surrounding his re-election platform has deepened, especially with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixing December 15 as the deadline for party primaries.
Osun Political Space on Edge
With less than two weeks to the INEC deadline, uncertainty remains. APC is facing its own intense internal battles, with more than a dozen aspirants fighting for the ticket. PDP appears unable to conduct a primary. ADC is split. NNPP is relatively weak in Osun.
This leaves APGA as the most likely new home for Governor Adeleke as he prepares to seek re-election in 2026.
For now, Osun people are waiting for an official announcement on his next political move, but one thing is clear: Governor Adeleke will contest—and the battle for 2026 has already begun.