Adebayo Adedamola has clinched the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket for the 2026 Osun State election following a landslide victory in the party’s primary held on Tuesday in Osogbo.
Adedamola polled 919 out of 957 votes cast, with 20 votes declared void. PDP primary chairman Humphrey Abba announced the result, noting that one aspirant had withdrawn. “The candidate that got the remaining votes is Adebayo Adedamola with 919 votes and stands elected and returned,” he said.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who had previously resigned from the PDP, still appeared on the ballot. Sunday Solarin, Secretary of the primary committee, warned that votes cast for Adeleke would be invalid and urged delegates to adhere to the voting guidelines.
Voting commenced shortly after the accreditation of delegates at 11:35 a.m. INEC officials and a PDP committee led by Abba oversaw the exercise, while security personnel from the DSS, police, and NSCDC ensured order at the venue.
Adeleke had officially resigned from the PDP on November 4, 2025, citing ongoing crises in the party’s national leadership. His resignation letter, addressed to PDP Ward 2 Chairman Sagba Abogunde, expressed gratitude for the opportunities to serve as senator and governor under the party. The governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, confirmed his resignation.
Osun PDP Chairman Sunday Bisi previously explained that internal party disputes had delayed the governorship primary originally scheduled for December 2. According to INEC’s timetable, parties have until December 15 to submit the names of their candidates for the August 8, 2026 election, leaving room for adjustments if the party resolves its leadership issues.
