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Adebayo Adedamola Secures PDP Governorship Nomination in Osun State
In a decisive victory at the Osun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary, Adebayo Adedamola, widely known as FRYO and a trusted confidant of Governor Seyi Makinde, has been selected as the party’s candidate for the 2026 gubernatorial race. This development comes amid the absence of incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, who recently stepped down from the party.
Primary Election Results and Voting Details
The primary election, conducted in Osogbo-the capital of Osun State-saw Adedamola garner an overwhelming 919 votes out of the 957 ballots cast. Humphrey Abba, the chairman overseeing the primary, officially declared the results, noting that 20 votes were invalid. He confirmed, “One aspirant withdrew prior to the election. The remaining valid votes were overwhelmingly in favor of Adebayo Adedamola, who is hereby declared the winner.”
Context of the Election and Candidate Dynamics
Despite Governor Ademola Adeleke’s formal resignation from the PDP, his name remained on the ballot paper, creating a unique scenario during the voting process. Sunday Solarin, the Secretary of the primary committee, announced the commencement of voting shortly after delegate accreditation concluded at approximately 11:35 a.m. He clarified that the two contenders were Adeleke and Adedamola, emphasizing that votes cast for Adeleke would be considered invalid due to his withdrawal. Delegates were urged to adhere strictly to voting guidelines to ensure a smooth process.
Security and Oversight During the Primary
The primary was conducted under stringent security measures, with personnel from the Department of State Security, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps securing the venue’s entrances and exits. Additionally, representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and a PDP national committee led by Humphrey Abba were present to supervise the proceedings, ensuring transparency and fairness.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Osun’s 2026 Governorship Race
Adedamola’s nomination positions him as a formidable contender in the upcoming election, especially given his close ties to Governor Makinde, a prominent figure in southwestern Nigerian politics. This development reshapes the political landscape in Osun State, where the PDP aims to consolidate its influence following Adeleke’s departure. Political analysts suggest that Adedamola’s campaign will likely focus on continuity and leveraging his alliance with Makinde to appeal to voters seeking stability and progressive governance.
