With the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15, the race is centering on the backgrounds and political legacies of the primary contenders. While incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke seeks another term, he faces stiff competition from Najeem Salaam of the ADC and the APC’s Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, both of whom have deep roots in the state’s political landscape.
Adeleke, who transitioned from the Senate to the governor’s office, has centered his campaign on infrastructure projects and the timely payment of civil service salaries. His personal magnetism, bolstered by his history in the entertainment industry and his familial connection to music star Davido, remains a significant asset with younger voters. However, his shift to the Accord party following internal disagreements within the PDP has left him without the support of several veteran political allies who chose not to defect with him.
Conversely, Oyebamiji relies on the robust, statewide organization of the APC and the strategic backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His professional reputation for discipline is a key selling point, though he faces scrutiny over his previous role as Commissioner for Finance, a period marked by contentious salary policies for government employees. The APC’s massive network gives him a clear advantage in mobilization efforts across the state’s thousands of polling units.
Najeem Salaam, the former Speaker of the House of Assembly, occupies the space of a pragmatic, consensus-driven candidate. While he is highly regarded for his legislative stability and calm approach, his party, the ADC, lacks the structural reach of his rivals. Nonetheless, his strong following in the Osun West Senatorial District could make him a decisive factor in the election, as he may ultimately serve as a kingmaker in the close contest between the APC and Accord.
