Osun 2026: Adeleke’s Rumoured Exit Shakes PDP as ADC Rises and APC Waits — Which Party Are People Really Talking About?

Osun State has been thrown into one of its most dramatic political moments in recent years following reports that Governor Ademola Adeleke has exited the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The news, which spread rapidly across both formal and informal political channels, marks a major turning point for the ruling party and the state’s 2026 governorship race.

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Adeleke’s departure did not come without signs. For months, tension had been brewing within the PDP, driven by internal conflicts, factional rivalry, and deepening disagreements between the governor’s supporters and the faction aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. The cracks widened as the party struggled with control battles, zoning arguments, and disputes over leadership dominance at both state and national levels.

The climax came when the PDP announced Adebayo “Fryo” Adedamola as its new governorship candidate for the 2026 election — a decision that caught many party members off guard and instantly escalated political tension. Sources within the party disclosed that Fryo’s emergence was heavily backed by Governor Makinde, who has been increasingly influential in the Southwest PDP and is believed to have championed the move as part of a broader restructuring plan.

The selection of Fryo left many stunned. His name had barely featured among the expected list of contenders, making his emergence one of the most surprising political decisions in recent Osun history. Analysts argue that the party rushed the decision to avoid leaving a vacuum following Adeleke’s reported exit, but critics say the move reflects panic, desperation and a lack of internal democracy.

For Adeleke, the decision appears to have sealed his divorce from the PDP. With the party presenting another candidate, his political direction has become the subject of intense speculation. At the moment, the governor is not officially affiliated with any political party, a situation that has left his supporters anxious and political observers scrambling for clues about his next move.

Public discourse now centres on three possible destinations: ACCORD, ANPP, and the AGAP party. While none of these parties have confirmed direct talks, rumours continue to spread that Adeleke’s camp has been exploring various platforms in preparation for a new political alliance. Each of these parties has its own strengths, weaknesses and unique political identities, but analysts believe that whichever platform Adeleke chooses will instantly gain relevance ahead of the 2026 race.

ACCORD, for instance, is considered more structured and has some presence across Southwest states. ANPP, though no longer as strong as it once was before merging into APC years ago, still carries symbolic political value. AGAP, on the other hand, is lesser known but may offer the governor a blank slate to rebuild without internal resistance. People close to the governor suggest that he is taking his time to avoid rushing into a decision that could either strengthen or destroy his chances in 2026.

Political analysts note that Adeleke’s influence remains significant despite his party exit. He maintains a strong grassroots network, broad popularity, and the advantage of incumbency — assets that can transform any party that welcomes him. However, they also warn that staying without a party for too long could weaken his structure, especially with opposition forces already preparing vigorously for the upcoming election.

While Adeleke’s next move remains unclear, the PDP’s internal dynamics continue to dominate discussion. The emergence of Fryo has created excitement among his supporters but triggered resentment among many long-standing party loyalists who feel sidelined. Party elders, youth leaders and even ward coordinators have expressed mixed reactions, with some insisting that Fryo represents a “new direction,” while others argue that the imposition was orchestrated without consultation.

The development has also opened fresh political debates about the future of the PDP in Osun. With its sitting governor gone and a controversial candidate now leading the ticket, the party faces a huge challenge in reconciling aggrieved members, restoring trust, and convincing the electorate that it remains a strong and united force. Many expect more defections in the coming weeks as supporters of Adeleke decide whether to follow their leader or remain in the party to support Fryo.

Meanwhile, the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) is quietly monitoring developments. Although the party has not yet concluded its primary process, APC appears to be positioning itself as a possible beneficiary of the PDP’s crisis. Political observers believe that if Adeleke joins a smaller party and the PDP fails to prevent further crackdowns, the 2026 race could become a three-way contest — APC, PDP under Fryo, and Adeleke under a new platform.

The situation has turned Osun State into a political laboratory, with analysts across Nigeria watching closely to see how quickly the dynamics might shift. The governor’s silence has only added more fuel to the fire, as residents, political actors and media platforms eagerly await a definitive statement from him.

One thing remains certain: Adeleke’s reported exit from the PDP has completely reshaped the political terrain in Osun State. With Fryo now flying the PDP flag and uncertainty over which party the governor will adopt, the state’s political future appears more unpredictable than ever.

As Osun marches closer to 2026, the question that continues to dominate every political conversation is simple yet powerful:
Where will Governor Ademola Adeleke go — and how will that decision redefine the next governorship election?