Adebayo Olugbenga Adedamola has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2026 Osun State election following the withdrawal and absence of Governor Ademola Adeleke from the party primary.
Adedamola secured the PDP ticket after the primary election conducted on Tuesday across the state, polling a clear majority of votes cast by accredited delegates from the 30 local government areas and the Modakeke area office.
Chairman of the PDP Electoral Committee for the primary, who announced the result in Osogbo, declared Adedamola the winner after he scored 919 votes to defeat other aspirants in the race.
In his acceptance speech, Adedamola thanked party leaders and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, promising to run an inclusive campaign and reposition the party for victory at the 2026 polls.
He said, “I am deeply honoured by this mandate. This victory is for all loyal members of our great party who believe in the future of Osun State. I will work with everyone to deliver good governance to the people.”
Governor Ademola Adeleke was absent from the contest following his recent exit from the PDP, a development that created uncertainty within the party ahead of the primary. Adeleke had earlier cited internal crises at the national level of the party as the reason for his decision.
Despite his absence, the electoral committee confirmed that Adedamola was duly nominated in line with the party constitution and guidelines.
Party leaders in the state described the peaceful conduct of the primary as a sign of unity and readiness to reclaim power in the next governorship election.
With the emergence of Adedamola, the PDP is expected to intensify consultations, reconciliation and grassroots mobilisation as preparations begin in earnest for the 2026 governorship election in Osun State.
