Osun governorship rumble: Who wears the crown?

The Osun state governorship election coming in a few days time has set the stage for the biggest political fight among the ruling Accord Party (AP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and fourteen (14) others. In this report, KEHINDE OSASONA takes a curious look at the candidates’ uncertainties and prospects.

The candidates and the permutation

Ahead of the Saturday, August 15, 2026, governorship election in Osun state, the air is thick with posters, chants, aggressive moves, consultations, whispers and permutations.

At the centre of the fierce electioneering is the Bola Ige House, the seat of power that political gladiators are craving to occupy.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) triggered the renewal of hostilities among political foes when it finally fixed the election to August 15, after revising its time table for the 2027 general election cycle.

Findings by our correspondent revealed that the electoral battle has entered full circle, with three main forces in the circle. While Governor Ademola Adeleke who ported from the PDP to AP wants a second term, the APC’s candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, is mobilising to reclaim what the party had lost.

Then, there is the ADC’s candidate, Dr. Najeem Salaam, who is enjoying the backing of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. This is a formidable group that has positioned itself as the “Third Force” ready to upset the calculations of other parties.

Although there are fourteen candidates of other political parties aiming for the same seat, the political clout, capacity, past records and party support enjoyed by the trio made the contest a three-horse race.

As parties intensify effort, pundits are of the opinion that with defections, lawsuits, and street politics, the election has been turned into a war of survival.

“This is the story of the rumble, the players, and who may eventually wear the crown,” Olaoluwa Afolabi, an Osogbo based analyst, said.

The candidates and their stands

Obviously, all the candidates in the race hold claims to having advantages over the others based on perculiarities, strategies and structures.

Of course, money, federal clouts, party structures among others, will be on display in the forthcoming election. With all these factors, what then is the standing of the candidates?

Adeleke (AP)

The incumbent, Governor Adeleke, popularly known as “Imole,” is a decampee from the PDP, who is expected to capitalise on the power and influence of incumbency to coast home to victory.

According to his loyalists and party supporters, the governor is like no other, as he has been dancing, singing, and delivering projects. He is expected to showcase his performance in office or his scorecard to the electorates as the reason why they should elect him for the second time.

He must convince the people of the state that he has been faithfully delivering on his electoral promises to them since the past four years.

While predicting a landslide victory for his party a few days ago, the governor said the momentum was on his side, expressing confidence that the AP would emerge victorious.

Adeleke made the declaration in a statement posted on his official X account where he thanked residents for their continued support and assured them that he would not take their trust for granted.

“I appreciate the overwhelming love and support the people of Osun state continue to show in our campaign. I do not take your trust for granted,” he wrote.

The administration, he insisted, had brought visible changes to the state over the past three years, urging residents to acknowledge the difference in governance.

“Today, Osun is witnessing the difference that purposeful, people-centred governance can make. You have seen the contrast. You are experiencing progress across the state,” he said.

He assured the people of the state that, “There is no turning back. Together, we will keep moving Osun forward. I’m confident the Accord Party will win on August 15. Tell your neighbours: ‘No shaking. Imole is coming back,’” he said.

Oyebamiji (APC)

From all indications, Oyebamiji means business in the forthcoming poll. He is a grassroots mobiliser. One of the themes of his campaign is that it is time to “Rescue Osun.” In other words, he is on a rescue mission.

Though still licking its wounds from the 2022 crashing defeat in the hands of PDP Adeleke, the main opposition party is determined to win back power, pledging to prioritise prudent management of public resources and people-centred development.

He insisted that restoring public confidence in governance required leaders who place human lives above politics, and ensuring that every public fund translated into visible improvements in the lives of Osun residents.

The ex-NIWA boss who was addressing artisans, civil servants, traders and market women, faced distinct challenges that required tailored government interventions.

He stressed that good leadership begins with understanding the specific needs of various groups, and responding to them through inclusive governance.

Dismissing the famed successes recorded by Adeleke administration, Oyebamiji wondered that with a substantial increase in monthly federal allocations since the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu, there was little to show for the inflows.

After a tour of Osogbo, the state capital and other parts of the state, Oyebamji made a scathing remark, saying the few projects undertaken by Adeleke’s government did not commensurate with the funds received from the federal allocation.

“This state has been receiving between N16 billion and N17 billion monthly since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came on board. What has this administration been doing with the money?” he asked.

Oyebamiji added that effective governance required broad participation, transparency and accountability, noting that government exists to serve the people rather than political interests.

“The needs of artisans are different from those of civil servants and marketers. Good leadership starts by understanding these needs and addressing them. We need to listen to these categories of people and run an inclusive government,” he said.

Salaam (ADC)

Then there is the ADC, quiet, but strategic. The party is presenting itself as the alternative for voters who it said are tired of PDP and APC. Its candidate is currently rounding off touring the 30 LGAs.

Its candidate, Salaam, while addressing supporters at a mega rally in Iwo said he would ensure regular electricity, prioritise welfare of the elderly and vulnerable, establish farm estate, revamp education, as well as improve security.

Adedamola (PDP)

Report from reliable sources said rather than gnash teeth for losing Adeleke to the AP, the PDP might be working to deliver for the incumbent.

Also, it was reported that recently, despite the emergence of Adebayo Adedamola as the gubernatorial candidate, the PDP was busy promoting and seriously collaborating with AP to swell Adeleke’s chance of clinching the victory.

In what appeared to confirm the story making the rounds, the party recently hailed the governor’s achievements, saying Adeleke had done enough to deserve a second term. From road projects to teachers’ recruitment, they argued that, “Imole is working.”

In all of the drama and campaign promises associated with the coming election, the civil society groups had come out to say they were not just monitoring but also demanding issue-based campaigns, while condemning any act of thuggery or vote-buying before or during election.

As the clock ticks for Osun electorates to elect who governs them in the next four years, observers said with underground networks and scheming going on, the election could be too close to call and the pendulum might swing any ways.