Sh*ck Twist in Osun Race As PDP, LP Miss Ballot, Adeleke Faces Oyebamiji

Eligible voters in Osun State will head to the polls on August 15, 2026, to elect a governor, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) clearing 14 candidates for the race.

Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking a second term on the platform of the Accord Party following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). As a result, neither the PDP nor the Labour Party (LP) will have a candidate on the ballot.

Adeleke’s defection has reshaped the political landscape, setting up what analysts describe as a keenly contested three-way race involving the governor, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) flag bearer, Najeem Salaam.

Notably, the three leading contenders are all from Osun West Senatorial District, a factor expected to influence voting dynamics while placing greater emphasis on party structures, incumbency, grassroots mobilisation and individual popularity.

The remaining candidates include Farinloye Olarenwaju (AA), Esan Olajide (AAC), Adeagbo Opawoye (ADP), Adesina Adeyemi-Doro (APGA), Saliu Oyelami (PRP), Ogunsakin Olalekan (YPP), Adefemi Adesuyi (ZLP), Adewale Adebayo (APM), Clement Adesuyi (APP), Masilo Adeleke (Boot Party) and Taofeek Adeleke (NNPP).

INEC data shows that while the number of registered voters in Osun has increased over the years, voter turnout has steadily declined. Registered voters rose from 1.41 million in 2014 to 1.95 million in 2022, but turnout fell from 54.17 per cent in 2014 to 46.20 per cent in 2018 and 42.37 per cent in the last governorship election in 2022.

Political analysts have attributed the declining participation to voter apathy, insecurity, distrust in the electoral process and dissatisfaction with governance, raising concerns over turnout in this year’s election.

Despite those concerns, the August 15 poll is expected to be highly competitive, with Adeleke relying on the advantages of incumbency while seeking to retain support after leaving the PDP. His main challengers, Oyebamiji and Salaam, are expected to capitalise on the changing political dynamics to strengthen their own campaigns.

Under Nigeria’s constitutional provisions, the eventual winner must not only secure the highest number of valid votes but also obtain at least 25 per cent of the votes cast in no fewer than 20 of Osun State’s 30 local government areas.

Ahead of the election, INEC says it has intensified voter education and grassroots sensitisation efforts to encourage participation, while urging residents to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and exercise their civic responsibility peacefully.