The Osun State governorship election is coming up on August 8, 2026. This is a big deal for everyone in Osun because it will decide the next leader for the next four years.
Campaigns are about to start officially on March 11, according to INEC. The race is heating up, with the sitting governor seeking another term but on a new party.
Here are the main things you need to know about the key candidates
Accord Party – Governor Ademola Adeleke
Governor Ademola Adeleke is the current governor of Osun State. He won in 2022 on the PDP ticket, but he left PDP in late 2025 because of problems inside the party. He joined the Accord Party in November 2025.
In December 2025, Accord held its primary, and Adeleke was the only aspirant. He got 145 votes (with 5 voided) and was declared the candidate. INEC has now confirmed and uploaded him as Accord’s official governorship candidate for 2026.
There was some drama with another faction claiming a different person (like Clement Bamigbola), but the main Accord leadership and INEC recognize Adeleke.
Adeleke is popular for his style, he’s known as the “dancing governor.” In office, he has worked on fixing roads, paying workers’ salaries on time, improving security, helping youth with jobs, and more.
He updated his 5-point agenda for a second term, focusing on better schools, hospitals, farming, infrastructure, and growing the economy. As the sitting governor, he has state resources, strong grassroots support (especially in some zones), and momentum. Many see him as the one to beat, though some say his party switch was to escape PDP troubles.
APC – Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO)
The All Progressives Congress (APC) wants to take back Osun after losing in 2022. They had many aspirants at first (up to 13), but after talks and President Bola Tinubu stepping in, most stepped down.
In December 2025, the primary was by consensus, delegates affirmed Bola Oyebamiji (also called AMBO) as the candidate without contest.
Oyebamiji is a banker and technocrat. He was Commissioner for Finance in Osun under past APC governments (Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola). He later became Managing Director of NIWA (National Inland Waterways Authority).
He’s from Osun West (Ikire area) and is seen as someone who knows money matters and state development well. President Tinubu congratulated him, and APC says it’s ready to reclaim Osun with better governance, fixing poverty, health, education, and uniting people.
Oyebamiji has met defectors from SDP and PDP, pushed for party unity, and promised inclusive leadership. APC has strong roots in parts of the state, so he is Adeleke’s biggest challenger.
ADC – Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) picked Dr. Najeem Salaam as its candidate. He is a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and has experience in politics and lawmaking.
In December 2025, ADC held its primary at Ultimate Civic Centre in Osogbo, and Salaam won with 520 votes. ADC positions itself as a fresh option for voters tired of the big parties.
Salaam talks about good governance, fighting corruption, and real change. He could pull votes from people wanting an alternative.
PDP – Adebayo Olugbenga Adedamola (Fryo)
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) went ahead with its primary in early December 2025, even after Adeleke left. Adebayo Adedamola won with 919 votes out of 957. He’s seen as close to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and some PDP leaders.But PDP is in a weak spot now.
After Adeleke’s exit, the state PDP chairman said the party structure might support Adeleke on Accord instead. Some Accord leaders even claim PDP won’t appear on the ballot or will have little impact.
There are internal fights and national PDP issues. Adedamola is the official candidate, but PDP’s role might be small or as a spoiler.
This election is important, it’s the last big one before 2027 national polls
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