Osun 2026: Campaigns Kick Off as Adeleke, APC Express Confidence in Victory

Political activities officially commenced in Osun State on Wednesday as Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) flagged off their campaigns for the August 15 governorship election, both expressing strong optimism about emerging victorious.

According to the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the official start date for campaign activities was set for March 11. The commission had earlier adjusted the poll date from August 8 to August 15, 2026.

Governor Adeleke, who is seeking a second term in office under the banner of the Accord Party, will face off against the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, the immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority. Also in the race is a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Dr. Najeem Salaam, who is flying the flag of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking on his chances during a courtesy visit by the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society at the Government House in Osogbo, Adeleke expressed confidence in securing a return to office. He pointed to the achievements of his administration as a strong basis for his re-election.

“Today marks the starting point of campaigning for the August 15, 2026, governorship election. We need your prayers and support for a free and fair election through which the will of the people will prevail,” the Governor told the delegation.

Adeleke highlighted his administration’s performance over the past four years, citing empowerment programmes, infrastructure development, and healthcare initiatives as reasons voters should renew his mandate. He noted that his government had disbursed nearly N4 billion to cooperative societies, executed the Imole medical outreach benefiting close to 80,000 residents, and constructed over 350 kilometres of roads alongside three major flyovers.

“We revived the cocoa revolution through aggressive seedling distribution, acquired brand new tractors for farmers, and implemented thousands of local projects under the O-RAMP programme,” he stated. He also mentioned the clearance of inherited salary arrears and significant progress in paying pension debts.

Assuring the electorate of continued good governance, Adeleke said, “When we are re-elected, we will continue to run an inclusive and forward-looking government that keeps the people at the centre of our programmes and policies.”

In a swift reaction, the Osun State APC declared its readiness to unseat the incumbent governor. In a statement released on Wednesday, the party’s spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, expressed confidence in the ability of its candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, to win the poll.

The APC criticized the Adeleke-led administration, alleging poor governance and inconsistent policies. The party called on residents to vote for change, insisting that the current government has failed to meet the expectations of the people.

“Our governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), and his running mate have been working tirelessly to ensure our state is not left behind in the march of progress. All genuine lovers of Osun should make it a point of duty to ensure that Governor Adeleke is shown the way out through their votes on August 15, 2026,” the statement read.

The party maintained that Oyebamiji’s track record and vision for the state would provide the leadership needed to move Osun forward.