2026: Osun PDP lawmakers endorse Adeleke for second term, back Sunday Bisi as party chairman

National and State Assembly members elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State have declared their support for Governor Ademola Adeleke as their preferred candidate for the August 8, 2026, governorship election.

The lawmakers made their position known in a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting held in Osogbo on Saturday. The communiqué was signed by the Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Lere Oyewumi.

The caucus also reaffirmed its backing for the Sunday Bisi-led leadership of the PDP in the state, dismissing any parallel structure.

The communiqué commended Governor Adeleke for his performance in office, particularly in infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, healthcare, education, and democratic stability. The lawmakers noted that despite financial challenges arising from the lingering local government crisis in the state, the governor had prioritised the welfare of workers and citizens.

“Having reviewed the performance of the Governor in infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, healthcare, education, and democratic stability, we unanimously endorse and give our total support to His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, for a second term in office in the interest of continuity, stability, and sustained progress for Osun State.

“His efforts in sustaining local government salary payments and continuing development projects across the state demonstrate responsible and compassionate leadership,” the communiqué stated.

On the leadership crisis within the party, particularly the caretaker committee reportedly constituted by a Taminu-Turaki-led faction, the lawmakers declared that Hon. Sunday Bisi remains the authentic chairman of the PDP in Osun State.

They passed a vote of confidence in Bisi, the State Working Committee, and party executives across the 30 local government areas, area offices, and the 332 wards in the state.

“We say unequivocally that they remain the executives of the party in Osun State.

“Any individual or group parading themselves as alternative leadership does not have the backing of the duly elected National and State Assembly caucus of the party in Osun State and should not be accorded legitimacy,” the communiqué added.

The lawmakers urged residents of Osun State to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and steadfast in defending democracy and good governance.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that a governorship primary allegedly conducted by a faction of the PDP produced Mr Adebayo Adedamola, popularly known as Fryo, as the party’s candidate. However, the Sunday Bisi-led leadership rejected the exercise, insisting that the PDP has no recognised candidate for the forthcoming governorship election.