Wike’s Political Intrigues and the PDP Crisis: Why Osun Must Defend Adeleke’s Mandate

 Wike’s Political Intrigues and the PDP Crisis: Why Osun Must Defend Adeleke’s Mandate

By Dr. Akinlooye Sarafadeen Olatunde, PhD

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State is currently navigating one of its toughest internal battles ahead of the 2026 governorship election. Although Governor Ademola Adeleke has met every requirement for nomination, the deep crisis rocking the national leadership of the party has thrown the entire process into uncertainty.

After purchasing and submitting his nomination forms and undergoing successful screening, Osun PDP expected a smooth path to the primaries. Instead, the party was plunged into chaos following the suspension and counter-suspension of key national officers—an internal conflict widely linked to the political maneuvers of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Despite serving under an APC-led government, Wike continues to assert himself as a major PDP stakeholder while allegedly working against the party’s interests. His actions—including recognition of a parallel national leadership and frequent resort to the courts—have disrupted the congresses needed to elect delegates for the primaries. The direct consequence is the postponement of the December 2 primaries and the risk of leaving Governor Adeleke without a valid platform unless INEC-recognized resolutions are reached on time.

This pattern mirrors Wike’s broader anti-party posture since 2023, one that appears strategically aligned with APC interests. The implications reach far beyond party politics—they threaten the democratic process itself.

The Federal Government’s withholding of Osun’s local government funds after lawful elections is another example. With the support of federal agencies, including the police and judiciary, elected local government officials were prevented from assuming office. This is not just a political affront; it is a constitutional violation and an attempt to weaken Governor Adeleke administratively and financially.

Yet, the people of Osun remain firmly behind Adeleke. His achievements in infrastructure, workers’ welfare, digital reforms, and transparent governance have earned him widespread trust. It is this popularity that external forces seek to undermine.

But Osun must resist.

Democracy cannot survive if powerful individuals are allowed to manipulate party structures, weaponize institutions, and suppress the will of the people. The crisis engineered around the PDP primaries is not about due process—it is about political domination.

Adeleke must not only remain in the race; he must triumph to defend the integrity of Osun’s democratic mandate. The people have spoken before, and they will speak again.

Osun will not bow to intimidation.