Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing the party’s prolonged and unresolved leadership crisis.
Adeleke’s resignation came less than 12 hours after the state PDP chairman, Sunday Bisi, hinted that the governor might not seek re-election on the party’s platform unless the factional crisis was resolved and recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ward 2, Sagba Abogunde, Ede, the governor announced his immediate exit from the party, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve both as Senator (Osun West) and Governor under the PDP.
His letter, titled “Resignation of My Membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)”, reads in part:
“Due to the current crisis of the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I hereby resign my membership with immediate effect. I thank the party for the opportunities given to me.”
The PDP in Osun has been embroiled in a fierce leadership dispute, splitting the party into two major factions—Damagun/Turaki/Makinde and Wike/Anyanwu—with both sides issuing suspensions and counter-suspensions while battling over control of the national secretariat in Abuja.
The conflict, currently before the courts, has forced the cancellation of the party’s governorship primary previously scheduled for today.
Party insiders say Adeleke has held preliminary discussions with the Accord Party as a possible alternative platform for the 2026 governorship election, amid mounting uncertainty within the PDP.
The crisis mirrors the party’s recent challenges, including its near-disqualification from the last Anambra governorship election before former Senate President Bukola Saraki intervened to secure a temporary truce.
With Adeleke’s departure, the PDP faces yet another major setback as internal strife continues to threaten its electoral prospects.
