The crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party deepened on Monday as the Osun State chapter cancelled its December 2 governorship primary.
At the same time, Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, held a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu after indicating support for the All Progressives Congress.
Announcing the cancellation in Osogbo, Osun PDP chairman Sunday Bisi said the party could not proceed due to escalating disputes within the national leadership, which have also cast uncertainty over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s future on the PDP ticket.
“The suspension and counter-suspension of national officers created an atmosphere of uncertainty that directly affected our preparation,” Bisi said, confirming that Adeleke had earlier completed all paperwork and screening for his nomination.
He revealed that ward and local government congresses scheduled for 24 and 29 November did not take place because of court challenges and unresolved party leadership issues.
He warned that unless the internal crisis is resolved and acknowledged by the electoral commission within the legal timeline, Adeleke may reconsider his participation.
Electoral guidelines require parties to forward the names of their candidates by 15 December ahead of the 8 August 2026 Osun governorship poll.
The crisis has polarised the PDP nationally, with factions emerging around key political figures.
“Unless there is a recognised resolution before the deadline, the governor may no longer seek the PDP nomination,” Bisi added.
Meanwhile, Governor Kefas made an afternoon visit to the State House on Monday, arriving with APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda.
The Taraba governor recently defected from the PDP and said earlier that he delayed his welcome ceremony due to security concerns following the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi.
In a separate engagement, PDP National Chairman Senator Tanimu Turaki pledged to restore transparency and internal democracy. Speaking at a dinner honouring former Minister of Information and Culture Professor Jerry Gana, Turaki insisted that only aspirants of integrity would be allowed to contest under the party.
Turaki described Gana as a respected public figure whose reputation remained unblemished after decades in national service, saying such values must be upheld across the party as it navigates internal challenges and prepares for future elections.
