With the Osun State governorship election approaching in less than 48 hours, the Independent National Electoral Commission has verified 2,339,233 registered voters. Candidates are entering the final stage of their outreach to secure support, though only three of the 15 contenders have actively campaigned with clear manifestos. Bola Oyebamiji, representing the All Progressives Congress, is a primary focus.
Oyebamiji benefits from the backing of President Bola Tinubu and state governors committed to an APC win. His reputation for philanthropy has helped build rapport with voters. Furthermore, his campaign gained significant momentum following the defection of key federal lawmakers from the Osun-East senatorial district, including Senator Francis Fadahunsi, Wole Oke, Sanya Omirin, and Taofeek Ajilesoro. These political shifts are expected to influence the voting outcomes in their respective strongholds.
The candidate faces challenges regarding his past ties to the Gboyega Oyetola administration. Opponents often highlight the modulated salary issues from the Rauf Aregbesola era, questioning Oyebamiji’s role and trustworthiness regarding fiscal policies. Despite this, the APC has prepared extensively, appointing 30 vote canvassers for every polling unit across the state. In Osun-Central, Oyebamiji receives support from influential figures like Senator Ajibola Basiru, which could be decisive in the pivotal Osogbo and Olorunda local government areas.
