With the Osun State gubernatorial election approaching on August 15, 2026, residents face a choice among 13 distinct candidates. The field encompasses a wide range of backgrounds, including the current governor, former legislative leaders, business professionals, and various technocrats looking to challenge the established political order. While political analysts anticipate the main struggle will emerge between the Accord Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), all participants are emphasizing themes of public accountability, economic progress, and social welfare.
Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is pursuing a second term. His path to leadership began in the private sector before he entered the political sphere. After an initial unsuccessful bid in 2018, Adeleke claimed victory in 2022 and now seeks to extend his administration for four more years.
Bola Oyebamiji, the APC candidate, draws on his experience as a former commissioner for finance and his previous leadership at the National Inland Waterways Authority. His platform prioritizes poverty reduction, agricultural investment, and human capital development. Meanwhile, Najeem Salaam of the ADC offers extensive legislative experience, having previously served as the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly. He campaigns on a platform of refining governance and ensuring that administration is centered on the needs of the citizens.
Other notable contenders include Olanrewaju Farinloye of the Action Alliance, who views his candidacy as a duty to public service, and Olajide Esan of the African Action Congress, a 39-year-old entrepreneur advocating for fiscal transparency through public dashboards. Adeagbo Opawoye, representing the African Democratic Party, stands out as the only woman in the race, focusing her agenda on workers’ rights. The field is rounded out by candidates like Adeleke Masilo, Adewale Adebayo, Clement Adesuyi, Taofeek Adeleke, Olalekan Ogunsakin, Adefemi Adesuyi, and Saliu Oyelami, each offering unique policy proposals ranging from infrastructure and healthcare reform to combating systemic corruption.
