Osun 2026: PDP Missing As INEC Publishes Candidates’ Details

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has published the personal details of candidates and their running mates for the Osun State governorship election, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) conspicuously absent from the list.

This was seen from the content of a statement issued on Sunday by INEC’s Public Affairs Officer in Osun State, Musa Olurode.

The statement, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, confirmed that 14 political parties successfully uploaded the names and required documents of their candidates within the stipulated timeframe.

“The submission followed the conclusion of party primaries and the closure of the designated portal for uploading candidates’ particulars,” the statement said.

The qualifying parties are 

Accord (A), 

Action Alliance (AA), 

African Action Congress (AAC), 

African Democratic Congress (ADC), 

Action Democratic Party (ADP), 

All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), 

All Progressives Congress (APC), 

Allied Peoples Movement (APM), 

Action Peoples Party (APP), 

Boot Party (BP), 

New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP),

 Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), 

Young Progressives Party (YPP), and

 Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The PDP, which produced the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, however is missing in the published list.

INEC said the list was released from its headquarters in Abuja after verifying that all submissions met constitutional and regulatory requirements.

The publication was carried out in accordance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and 

Item 4 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Osun State Governorship Election.

The Commission noted that copies of each candidate’s Form EC9, academic credentials, and other supporting documents will be displayed at its state office and all local government offices.

The documents will be available for inspection from Monday, 16 February 2026, at the state office, all 30 local government area offices, and the Area Office in Osun State.

“The Commission hereby notifies political parties and the general public that fourteen political parties have successfully complied with the requirements within the stipulated timeframe,” the statement added.

INEC advised political parties, candidates, and members of the public to inspect the published documents as provided by law and clarified that only the fourteen listed parties are eligible to participate in the forthcoming governorship election, having met the necessary conditions within the prescribed period.

Meanwhile, Dr. Agboke reassured stakeholders of the Commission’s commitment to transparency and professionalism.

“The Commission remains firmly committed to the conduct of credible elections in accordance with the law and best democratic practices,” he said.

The election is fixed for August 8, 2026, while political campaigns are slated to kick off on March 11, 2026.