The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has constituted a 24-member Governorship Primary Appeal Panel to review petitions arising from its Osun State governorship primary conducted ahead of the 2026 election.
The decision was taken by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), following complaints from aggrieved party members and rising internal disagreements over the conduct of the primary.
According to party sources, the appeal panel is mandated to receive, examine and rule on petitions submitted by aspirants and stakeholders who alleged irregularities, procedural breaches and exclusion during the primary exercise. The panel is expected to operate strictly in line with the PDP Constitution, its Electoral Guidelines for Primaries and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.
The move comes amid visible tension within the Osun PDP, marked by conflicting positions between the national leadership and the state chapter over the timing and legitimacy of the governorship primary. While the NWC proceeded with the exercise after delegate congresses were conducted, some party leaders in the state openly questioned the process and its outcome.
Although no official list of petitioners has been made public as of the time of filing this report, several groups within the party, including lawmakers and influential stakeholders, have publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the primary, raising concerns over transparency and internal democracy.
Party officials say the appeal panel will provide a formal and constitutional avenue for resolving disputes, with its recommendations expected to guide the NWC’s final decision on the Osun PDP governorship ticket.
Observers note that the outcome of the appeal process could have far-reaching implications for party cohesion in Osun State, especially as the PDP seeks to avoid prolonged internal crises that could weaken its preparations for the 2026 governorship election.
The PDP leadership has urged all members to remain calm and allow due process to take its course, assuring that the appeal panel’s work will be fair, transparent and guided by party rules.