“Fake petition!” — PDP denies move challenging Adeleke’s victory

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected a petition challenging Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory in the 2026 Osun State governorship election, insisting that the suit was filed without the party’s approval.

The controversy erupted after two separate petitions were displayed on the notice board of the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Osogbo, with one allegedly filed in the name of the PDP.

However, the party on Wednesday distanced itself from the petition, saying it neither authorised nor endorsed any legal action seeking to challenge the outcome of the election.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the PDP described the petition as “unauthorised, misleading and without the prior knowledge of the party.”

The party said legal actions involving the PDP must be approved by its National Legal Adviser, adding that the lawyer who filed the petition did not receive any mandate to act on behalf of the party.

The disputed petition, marked EPT/OS/GOV/02/2026, listed Adebayo Adedamola, the PDP candidate in the election, as petitioner, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Accord Party and Governor Adeleke listed as respondents.

The PDP, however, said Adedamola had already denied filing any petition against Adeleke’s victory.

According to the party, Adedamola stated during an interview that he had no reason to challenge the election result and that he personally voted for Adeleke, who was declared winner of the poll.

The party further warned that anyone found to have impersonated the PDP, its officials or legal representatives would face legal action.

The PDP also called on relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the petition and prosecute anyone found responsible for falsely using the party’s name.

The development comes after the Osun governorship election petition tribunal received separate challenges linked to the August 15, 2026 election, including a petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

Governor Adeleke was declared winner of the election and later received his Certificate of Return from INEC.

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