By Olamilekan Abayomi
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a letter dated November 4, 2025, citing the “ongoing crisis in the national leadership of the PDP” as his reason for leaving. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities the party had given him, both as a senator and as governor, and said his decision was driven by a desire to serve the people without the constraints of internal party strife.
The resignation comes just a day before the PDP was scheduled to hold its gubernatorial primary in Osun, a contest that has already been marred by factional disputes. Party officials had been divided over whether to proceed with the primary or postpone it, and Adeleke’s exit adds a new layer of uncertainty to the race.
Osun PDP chairman Sunday Bisi confirmed that the party would push ahead with the primary as planned, insisting that the national secretariat’s directive superseded any local objections. However, other party members have called for a delay, arguing that the loss of a high‑profile figure like Adeleke could destabilize the contest further.
Speculation is already swirling about Adeleke’s next political move. Some observers suggest he could join the Accord Party, while others see a possible shift toward the All Progressives Congress (APC), given his recent alignment with some of its policies. Adeleke has not yet declared any new affiliation, leaving the door open for negotiations.
The governor’s departure underscores the broader turmoil within the PDP, which has been grappling with leadership challenges and internal dissent across several states. Analysts say the party’s ability to retain key figures will be a crucial test as the 2026 elections approach.
With the Osun governorship race now in flux, voters and political watchers will be watching closely to see how the PDP reorganizes itself and whether Adeleke’s exit will trigger a domino effect in other states. The coming weeks are likely to reveal more about the future of both Adeleke’s career and the PDP’s prospects in the upcoming electoral cycle.
