Osun State Governorship Election (August 15, 2026)

 

The Osun State governorship election slated for August 15, 2026, has turned into a closely fought contest with huge implications for politics in 2027. Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, is seeking a second term in office after changing parties. His opponents are Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), former National Inland Waterways Authority boss and APC gubernatorial candidate, and Najeem Salaam, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate and former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly. The candidates from Osun West senatorial district have attracted the attention of the INEC as the three candidates cleared for the polls by the electoral commission do not seem to agree on the number of aspirants. In addition to the publicity surrounding the three candidates, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola have joined the Salaam camp, while Muslim leaders and others have pledged their support to Oyebamiji. On his part, Adeleke has accused some former officials of colluding to rig the election. Violence has been a recurring feature in the run-up to the election, with allegations of killings, intimidation, and violence by Adeleke’s supporters. The governor’s supporters have also staged violent demonstrations, and the police, NSCDC, and other security agencies have been deployed to the state to ensure security. INEC has assured that all the necessary preparations, including the procurement of BVAS devices, have been made for the smooth conduct of the election. The commission has also noted the extended period of collection of PVCs and the extensive consultations with stakeholders, assuring that the election will be free and fair. The electorate in Osun comprises more than 2.3 million registered voters, with women slightly outnumbering men. The election is significant in that it will be a crucial test for President Tinubu’s APC and the opposition groups. The issues raised in the election include governance and economic challenges in the state and the danger of violence. Reports on the governorship election in Osun will include stories on the tussles in the various local government councils, allegations of rigging and violence, and security arrangements. Traditional leaders and INEC will also be reminding people of the need for peace as the election day draws near.