The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
The faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, announced the decision on Thursday following a Court of Appeal judgment concerning the party’s candidate in the election.
The court reportedly upheld the nomination of Adebayo Adedamola, produced by the Turaki-led faction, and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to include the PDP logo on the ballot.
Ememobong said the ruling confirmed that the party had properly conducted its primary and submitted its candidate’s name to INEC.
“The party, having duly conducted primaries which were monitored by INEC… there was no legal impediment to the participation of the candidate in the election.”
PDP faction backs Adeleke despite court victory
Despite the court victory, the Turaki-led faction said it had decided not to pursue the governorship race and would instead support Adeleke.
Ememobong explained that the decision followed consultations with key stakeholders and was aimed at strengthening the opposition and protecting multiparty democracy.
“The INWC chose to throw its weight behind the Accord party candidature, Gov. Ademola Adeleke.”
He urged PDP members across Osun to vote for Adeleke on Saturday and defend their votes during the electoral process.
The PDP spokesperson also criticised INEC over the delay in recognising the faction’s candidate, arguing that the late court decision left Adedamola with little opportunity to campaign ahead of the election.
Party calls for peaceful election
Ememobong urged voters and political parties to reject violence and what he described as a do-or-die approach to the election.
He said the outcome should reflect the genuine choice of Osun voters and called on citizens to participate peacefully.
“Elections must be a true reflection of the people’s wish, freely expressed through the ballot.”
The endorsement adds another political boost to Adeleke as he seeks re-election under the Accord platform, with the Osun governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN); statements by PDP Interim National Working Committee National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong.
