With the election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, Osun State voters will choose from the 13 Osun Governorship Candidates representing various political blocs and professional backgrounds.
The contest features the incumbent governor seeking re-election, alongside former state commissioners, a former Speaker of the House of Assembly, business figures, technocrats, and candidates positioning themselves as viable alternatives to the political status quo.
While major attention centers on the flagbearers of the Accord Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the 13 Osun Governorship Candidates across party lines are building campaigns centered on worker welfare, economic development, fiscal transparency, and systemic governance reform.
Ademola Adeleke — Accord Party
Ademola Adeleke, the current governor, is running for reelection after transitioning from business to electoral politics. Adeleke had business and corporate interests in Nigeria and the US prior to entering politics.
In 2018, he ran on the PDP ticket for the Osun governorship, but APC candidate Gboyega Oyetola defeated him. On November 27, 2022, he took office as governor after defeating Oyetola four years prior.
Therefore, Adeleke’s endeavour to obtain a new mandate and prolong his rule for a another four years is represented by the 2026 election.
The 12 Other Contenders
- Najeem Salaam — ADC
- Olanrewaju Farinloye — Action Alliance
- Olajide Esan — AAC
- Adeagbo Opawoye — ADP
- Adeleke Masilo — Boot Party
- Adewale Adebayo — APM
- Clement Adesuyi — APP
- Taofeek Adeleke — NNPP
- Olalekan Ogunsakin — YPP
- Adefemi Adesuyi — ZLP
- Saliu Oyelami — PRP
Backstory…
The final days ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election have been marked by heightened political tension, allegations of intimidation and a growing focus on security.
A pre-election security assessment by Kimpact Development Initiative recorded 73 election-related violent incidents resulting in 29 deaths, with Osogbo identified as the worst-hit area.
There have also been fresh concerns over inflammatory political rhetoric. A viral video attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi allegedly contained remarks interpreted as a call to violence against Accord Party members in Ilesa.
Fadahunsi denied inciting violence, while Adeleke called for his arrest and investigation. The National Human Rights Commission has also called for action over the remarks.
Read Also: Police Summon APC Senator Fadahunsi Over Alleged Threat Against Accord Members
