The gubernatorial primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has plunged into deeper crisis after Governor Ademola Adeleke stayed away from the exercise, following his recent resignation from the party amid unresolved leadership disputes.
Tension escalated at the primary venue on Monday when an INEC official assigned to monitor the process was assaulted, triggering panic and drawing heavy security intervention.
Adeleke’s No-Show Sends Shockwave Through the Primary
Governor Adeleke, who had been expected to contest the ticket, stunned party members last week by resigning from the PDP, citing “intractable internal betrayals” and erosion of party discipline.
Despite his exit, the party proceeded with the primary, which produced Adebayo Adedamola as the PDP governorship candidate.
However, Adeleke’s absence created:
- confusion over delegate alignment
- factional protests
- uncertainty about the legitimacy of the process
- renewed power struggles across the state chapter
The PDP leadership has yet to formally address the governor’s resignation.
INEC Official Assaulted as Tensions Boil Over
The voting exercise, held at the Osogbo City Hall, turned rowdy when aggrieved supporters alleged irregularities during delegate accreditation.
An INEC officer monitoring the election was reportedly pushed and struck during a heated confrontation between two rival blocs.
Eyewitnesses told IDNN:
“People were shouting, pushing and fighting for control of the accreditation area.
The INEC guy got attacked when he tried to stop them.”
Police officers deployed to the venue stepped in to restore order.
INEC has described the attack as “criminal and unacceptable.”
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PDP in Crisis as Factions Trade Blame
The Osun PDP has been deeply divided along multiple fault lines, including:
- supporters of Governor Adeleke
- regional stakeholders loyal to PDP national power groups
- aspirants seeking control of the governorship ticket
- factions resisting Adeleke’s influence
The immediate aftermath of the primary saw:
- protests
- allegations of manipulated lists
- accusations of “state-level sabotage”
- petitions threatened at the national secretariat
Multiple senior PDP figures in the state told IDNN that the crisis may impact preparations for the 2026 elections.
Party Leadership Silent on Adeleke’s Resignation
One of the most contentious issues is the PDP’s refusal — so far — to clarify:
- whether Adeleke’s resignation was accepted
- whether he will be persuaded to return
- what his exit means for the governorship ticket
- whether the new candidate will be ratified at national level
Party elders say Adeleke’s exit, if upheld, could fundamentally reshape Osun PDP’s structure and influence.
Violence at Primaries: A Persisting Pattern
Osun’s political environment has seen repeated clashes at party primaries over the years, including the 2018 and 2022 pre-election seasons.
Analysts warn the latest incident reinforces concerns over:
- poor internal conflict resolution
- weak party discipline
- volatile delegate selection processes
- high-stakes contestation around incumbent influence
The PDP is expected to convene a crisis meeting in the coming days to address internal grievances.
