Osun 2026: Adeleke Battles Oyebamiji, Salaam as Oyinlola’s Endorsement Raises Stakes Ahead of August 15 Poll

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The battle for Osun State Government House has entered a dramatic final stretch, with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke facing a major challenge from All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji and African Democratic Congress (ADC) flagbearer Najeem Salaam ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The contest has become particularly intriguing following Adeleke’s decision to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the platform on which he won the 2022 election, and seek a second term under the Accord Party.

Adeleke formally joined the Accord Party in December 2025 following months of crisis within the PDP and later secured the party’s governorship ticket with 145 of the 150 valid votes cast at its primary monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

His defection has transformed the election into a major test of whether his political structure and personal popularity can overcome the loss of the party machinery that helped propel him to victory four years ago.

Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, emerged as the APC candidate after securing the party’s consensus. His political profile has been strengthened by his experience as Osun Commissioner for Finance under former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola, as well as his later appointment as Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority.

The APC candidate has also received strong backing from Oyetola, now a federal minister, as the party seeks to rebuild its political machinery in Osun after its defeat in the 2022 election.

The political atmosphere shifted further on Sunday when former Osun Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola publicly declared support for Oyebamiji.

Oyinlola, a prominent figure who has historically been associated with the PDP and is now linked with the Allied Peoples Movement, made the declaration alongside other PDP-aligned political leaders, including former Secretary to the State Government Fatai Akinbade and Tajudeen Oladipo.

The endorsement was made in Osogbo and did not involve a formal defection from the PDP. However, it immediately became a major talking point in the campaign, with Oyebamiji welcoming the development as evidence that influential political figures are increasingly seeking an alternative to the incumbent administration.

For Adeleke, the election is an opportunity to consolidate the gains of his first term and demonstrate that his political influence extends beyond the PDP platform.

The governor has campaigned on what his administration describes as achievements in infrastructure, workers’ welfare, salary payments, healthcare and agriculture. His supporters have urged voters to retain the administration and allow it to continue its development programmes.

The APC, however, has challenged the administration’s record, particularly its management of increased federal allocations to the state. The opposition has argued that the resources available to Osun should have produced greater improvements in infrastructure and other sectors.

Oyebamiji is being presented by the APC as an experienced administrator with a background in public finance who can restore what the party describes as progressive governance and strengthen the state’s relationship with the Federal Government.

Salaam, meanwhile, is seeking to position the ADC as a credible alternative to both the Accord and APC candidates. A former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, he is campaigning on economic revival, accountability and a different approach to governance.

The race has an unusual geographical dimension because the three leading candidates are all from Osun West Senatorial District. Adeleke is from Ede North, Oyebamiji is associated with Irewole/Ikire, while Salaam hails from Ejigbo.

That concentration could intensify competition within the senatorial district and make voter mobilisation in Osun West particularly important. At the same time, each candidate will need substantial support outside the district to secure victory across the state.

INEC has cleared 14 candidates for the election, although the absence of the PDP and Labour Party from the final contest has further altered the political landscape.

The final days of the campaign have also been marked by heightened political tension, with rival camps trading allegations of intimidation and violence. The claims have increased concerns among voters and election observers about the need for adequate security and a peaceful electoral process.

With more than 2.3 million registered voters in the state, turnout could prove decisive, particularly if the three major contenders divide the electorate along political, regional and grassroots lines.

The election is also attracting attention beyond Osun because of its potential implications for the 2027 political realignment.

Adeleke’s victory would strengthen his position after switching parties and demonstrate that his political network remains capable of delivering electoral victory outside the PDP. An APC victory would mark a significant return for the party after its 2022 defeat and provide momentum for its preparations for 2027.

For the ADC, a strong performance by Salaam could establish the party as a serious alternative in Osun and potentially disrupt the traditional battle between the PDP and APC.

As the August 15 election draws closer, the contest remains difficult to predict. Adeleke is relying on incumbency, his record and grassroots support; Oyebamiji is counting on the APC’s rebuilt structure, his political experience and growing endorsements; while Salaam is seeking to benefit from voters looking for an alternative.

With the final days of campaigning ticking away, Osun is heading towards a closely watched election in which turnout, voter mobilisation, party structures and the ability of each candidate to convert support into actual votes could determine who takes control of the state for the next four years.