Adebayo Adedamola has clinched the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket for the 2026 Osun election, emerging victorious at the party’s primary held on Tuesday in Osogbo.
Adedamola secured an overwhelming 919 votes out of the 957 valid ballots cast. The chairman of the primary committee, Humphrey Abba, announced the results, noting that 20 votes were void. He recalled that one of the aspirants had earlier withdrawn, leaving Adebayo as the only valid contender.
“The candidate who received the remaining votes is Adebayo Adedamola, with 919 votes. He is hereby declared elected and returned,” Abba said.
Earlier reports had indicated that despite announcing his resignation from the PDP, Governor Ademola Adeleke’s name still appeared on the ballot. The committee secretary, Sunday Solarin, explained at the commencement of voting that although Adeleke and Adedamola were initially the two aspirants, Adeleke had already formally exited the party.
Solarin warned that any vote cast for Adeleke would be invalid, urging delegates to adhere strictly to guidelines.
The primary was conducted under tight security. Personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were stationed at strategic points around the venue. Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also monitored the exercise, alongside the PDP’s national committee.
Adeleke’s withdrawal from the party followed internal disputes within the PDP’s national leadership. His resignation letter, dated November 4, 2025, and addressed to his ward chairman in Ede North, stated that the ongoing crisis compelled him to leave.
In the letter, Adeleke expressed gratitude to the PDP for the platform that led to his election as Senator representing Osun West and later as Governor of Osun State.
His spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, confirmed the development.
Insightlinks gathered that INEC’s timetable for the August 8, 2026 governorship election gives political parties until December 15 to submit the names of their candidates.
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