The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has defended Governor Ademola Adeleke’s decision to leave the party ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election.
Briefing newsmen on Tuesday, Mr. Hakeem Olalemi, PDP Vice Chairman, Lagos Central, said Adeleke acted wisely given the party’s ongoing leadership crises and internal instability.
Olalemi noted that despite the recent election of new PDP national executives at the November convention in Ibadan, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) still recognizes former officials Amb. Umar Damagum and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, creating uncertainty over who would sign Adeleke’s 2026 nomination forms if he stayed.
“No governor would risk his mandate on a platform battling legitimacy issues,” Olalemi said, stressing that Adeleke’s decision was one of self-preservation, not disloyalty.
He added that internal conflicts have made the PDP unsafe for any serious candidate, accusing some influential governors of exacerbating the crisis for personal reasons.
Olalemi urged the party’s founding fathers to intervene and restore peace, warning that unresolved disputes could threaten the PDP’s survival.
Adeleke officially announced his resignation on Monday, notifying the party through a letter sent to Ward 2, Sagba Abogunde, Ede, on November 4. He has not yet revealed his next political move.
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