The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, on Wednesday, pressed ahead with its gubernatorial primary election in Osogbo—and in a significant outcome, Fatai Rauf Yekini Oladimeji (FRYO) emerged as the party’s governorship candidate, despite internal turmoil triggered by Senator Ademola Adeleke’s recent resignation from the party.
Delegates began arriving at the Osogbo City Stadium early in the morning, with accreditation and security measures set up across multiple entry points. The turnout reflected the party’s determination to proceed with its political calendar, even as analysts predicted that Adeleke’s exit could destabilize the PDP structure in the state.
Adeleke’s abrupt resignation on Monday deepened existing tensions within the party, exposing long-standing rifts between factions loyal to the former governor and those aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. His departure was widely perceived as a reaction to losing control of the party’s structure and the governorship ticket to the rising Makinde-backed bloc.
Despite the escalating crisis, the PDP leadership remained resolute, with insiders confirming that Makinde’s political network played a key role in ensuring that the primary held as scheduled. Delegates widely described the election as a “battle for the soul of Osun PDP,” one that ultimately produced FRYO as the consensus choice.
As voting progressed, it became increasingly clear that FRYO enjoyed significant support from the Southwest PDP power base linked to Makinde, giving him a decisive edge over other aspirants. Party officials later announced his victory to loud cheers from supporters who celebrated the result as a new direction for the party in the state.
Speaking after the announcement, a senior PDP chieftain noted that the emergence of FRYO demonstrated the party’s resolve to move past the Adeleke episode and rebuild ahead of the 2026 elections.
“Adeleke’s resignation was unfortunate, but the PDP cannot be held hostage,” the official said. “Today’s primary, and the emergence of FRYO, shows that the party is ready to reposition itself. Governor Makinde’s stabilising influence helped to prevent a total breakdown.”
Political observers say the choice of FRYO may mark the beginning of a reshaped PDP leadership dynamic in Osun—one less centred on Adeleke dominance and more aligned with the regional strategy driven by Makinde within the Southwest zone.
Despite lingering grievances within the Adeleke camp, party leaders expressed confidence that FRYO’s candidacy could unify members, restore internal order, and re-energize the PDP’s grassroots base ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The party is expected to present FRYO formally as its candidate after completing the final ratification process.