Despite a Court of Appeal judgment affirming Adebayo Olugbenga Adedamola as its legitimate candidate, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially endorsed Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for a second term in the upcoming election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to a statement released by Ini Ememobong, the National Publicity Secretary of the party’s Interim National Working Committee, the appellate court sitting in Abuja confirmed that the PDP properly conducted its governorship primary monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The court also directed INEC to include the party’s logo on the ballot.

The panel noted that because the primary was lawfully monitored and the winner’s name submitted, there were no legal obstacles preventing the candidate’s participation. Furthermore, the court ruled that administrative hurdles, such as portal access codes for candidate uploads, cannot override statutory submission requirements.

Why the PDP Backs Adeleke

Faced with severe time constraints that left its court-affirmed candidate insufficient window to campaign, the Interim National Working Committee resolved not to yield to defeat. Following wide consultations with key stakeholders and considering Governor Adeleke’s historical ties to the party, the PDP decided to back him despite his current run on the platform of the Accord Party.

“To this end, faced with the unimaginable difficulty that this situation puts on us, the Interim National Working Committee has chosen not to throw its hands up in defeat,” the statement read. “We therefore ask all our members to vote for Governor Adeleke.”

Call to Action and Criticism of INEC

The party urged all members and supporters to turn out en masse, participate fully in the election, and ensure their votes are firmly protected.

At the same time, the PDP criticized INEC, accusing the electoral body of bias for failing to recognize its primary winner on time and creating administrative roadblocks that stalled effective campaigning. Reaffirming its commitment to democracy, the party called on voters and political stakeholders to reject violence and safeguard the electoral process, stating that genuine outcomes must reflect the unhindered will of the people.