Osun 2026: PDP, APC’s internal wrangling battles define governorship contest

By Jeleel Olawale

Since 1999, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have taken turns at the helm of Osun State. But as the 2026 governorship election draws near, both parties are wrestling with internal issues that could prove decisive in who secures power.

What was expected to shift political advantage in Osun has not materialised. The four federal lawmakers who defected from the PDP to the APC are now left second-guessing their decision.

The move, hastily taken in the belief that Governor Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke was on his way to the ruling party at the federal level, has since become a subject of regret. In their new camp, the defectors are finding it difficult to gain recognition, and their chances of returning to the National Assembly in 2027 look increasingly slim.

Those affected include Senator Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central), Wole Oke (Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency), Omirin Olusanya (Atakumosa East/West and Ilesa East/West Federal Constituency), and Taofeek Ajilesoro (Ife Central/East/North/South).

They exited the PDP, citing irreconcilable differences with the leadership, but months later, their political prospects appear uncertain.

One major stumbling block they now face is the stiff resistance from entrenched APC “landlords” who are equally eyeing senatorial and other elective seats, and who have dismissed any notion of automatic tickets for defectors come 2027.

Their troubles worsened when their constituents declined to follow them into the APC. To compound matters, several of their legislative aides resigned, insisting they could not abandon the ruling party, PDP in the state.

The situation became even more precarious for the defectors after key APC figures openly opposed speculations that Governor Adeleke might cross over to their party. The reality dawning on them now is that if Adeleke is re-elected in 2026, their survival would hinge on whether the new party is willing to support their re-election bids.

Insiders within APC' and PDP draw parallels with the fate of Senators Adeseye Ogunlewe and Musiliu Obanikoro, who left the Alliance for Democracy (AD) for the PDP in Lagos between 2003 and 2007 but never regained their footing under Bola Tinubu’s political dominance. Many fear Osun’s defectors may face the same fate unless Adeleke falters.

Yet, while the lawmakers grapple with the fallout of what many now describe as a political misstep, the PDP itself is not without trouble. For example, leaders from Ife Federal Constituency recently passed a vote of no confidence on Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi and former National Secretary, Prof. Wale Oladipo, and Ife-East PDP chairman, Mr Makinde Olasunkanmi accusing them of anti-party activities. The rift has been resolved and the party remained united.

 A communiqué signed by party stalwarts — including commissioners, Special Advisers among other political functionaries— alleged that the leaders were fraternizing with defected lawmaker which is against the party’s interests.

I'm standing as the closest challenger to the two dominant parties is the African Democratic Congress (ADC), under the influence of former governor Rauf Aregbesola. Although still at an early stage, the ADC is emerging as a third force. For now, however, aside from PDP, APC, and ADC, most other parties in Osun exist more in form than in function — their presence largely limited to posters and billboards.

Despite the PDP’s internal family differences, Governor Adeleke remains a towering figure in the state’s political landscape. Once dismissed as the “dancing senator,” he has since transformed his flamboyant persona into political capital through civil service reforms, youth empowerment, women-focused initiatives, and infrastructure projects among others. 

His brilliant performance has drew many residents to him to continue to support him. Even when he wanted defect to APC, many party supporters said, the citizens were dissatisfied with the move especially the civil servants in the state.

Among ordinary citizens, Adeleke is widely seen as a governor who “connects with the people,” in sharp contrast to his predecessor, Gboyega Oyetola, who is often described as distant and unapproachable. Indeed, his rising popularity prompted some APC leaders to woo him to their party.

Sources confirmed that President Bola Tinubu even convened a meeting in Lagos with Adeleke, his brother Deji, and music star Davido to finalise his defection. But the plan was blocked by powerful figures in the Osun APC, who feared his entrance would overshadow their influence and jeopardise their ambitions.

“It would have been a masterstroke if Adeleke had joined us. But selfish interests killed the idea. Now, defeating him is nearly impossible,” one frustrated APC chieftain told Newsdirect.

Meanwhile, the four defected lawmakers continue to feel the brunt of APC’s own disunity. The party has yet to recover from its 2022 defeat, which insiders attribute to complacency under Oyetola.

Today, APC remains splintered, with factions loyal to different heavyweights. Former Deputy Governor Iyiola Omisore has declared his interest in the 2026 ticket, while NIWA’s Managing Director and Tinubu loyalist, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), is also eyeing the race. Some leaders of the party especially in Osun West are not comfortable with the Omisore's entry into the race.

A prominent member of APC who prefers anonymity because of sensitive nature of the matter said, rather than fostering unity, these rival ambitions are widening cracks within the party. Grassroots members complain of exclusion and personal agenda, accusing the leadership of pursuing personal goals instead of rebuilding party cohesion.

While APC struggles to regroup, Adeleke has consolidated PDP’s structure. Unlike his late brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, known for cross-party ties, the governor has strengthened his party through direct engagement with the electorate, with series of endorsement by various groups like artisans, market men and women, labour unions, students' movement among others seem to have jilted the defectors from the PDP.

His network reaches deep into rural communities via cultural festivals, youth groups, and women’s cooperatives. He won sympathy and loyalty by clearing salary arrears and restoring welfare benefits, sore points under Oyetola’s administration.

“Adeleke isn’t just dancing; he’s organising. He builds emotional connections with the people, something APC has failed to replicate,” a political analyst in Osogbo remarked.

Though Tinubu’s presidency was expected to lift APC’s fortunes in Osun, Adeleke’s grassroots appeal has muted that advantage. Rising hardship from subsidy removal, taxes and inflation has further dented APC’s image, while Adeleke distances his government from unpopular federal policies.

For the defectors, the outlook remains grim. Stripped of PDP’s grassroots support and struggling to find footing in a divided APC along many aspirants, they are fighting for political survival. Already, whispers in the party suggest they may be denied tickets in 2027, as loyalists insist that “true members” must be prioritised over “opportunistic defectors.