With the Osun State governorship election approaching in four weeks, the Independent National Electoral Commission has confirmed a total of 2,339,233 registered voters. Political parties and their candidates are actively campaigning to secure this electorate’s favor. Out of 14 candidates officially recognized by the electoral commission, only three have formally introduced their manifestoes and initiated public campaign activities.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, representing the Accord Party, is centering his re-election campaign on his established five-point agenda. He benefits from the support of labor unions and civil servants, alongside his previous infrastructure projects. Despite resistance from some of his subjects, the Ataoja of Osogbo has publicly endorsed his candidacy. Adeleke also gains momentum from the defection of allies previously linked to Senator Iyiola Omisore, who shifted to his camp following internal APC disputes. However, he faces significant criticism regarding allegations of nepotism in recent government hiring and concerns over his administration’s policy decisions regarding teachers and healthcare workers.
Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress candidate, has introduced his ‘Prosperity Agenda’ and enjoys backing from President Bola Tinubu. His campaign has been bolstered by the support of influential federal lawmakers from the Osun-East senatorial district. While he faces questions regarding the economic policies of the previous administration in which he served, he utilizes his outreach to traders and markets to contrast his leadership style with the current governor.
Najeem Salaam, the candidate for the African Democratic Congress, is promoting a 10-point agenda focused on worker welfare and industrialization. Leveraging his history as a former Speaker of the House of Assembly and his grassroots connections, he is attempting to position himself as a viable third option. Nevertheless, his campaign faces hurdles due to limited party infrastructure and historical friction between civil servants and his ally, Rauf Aregbesola.
