Politics
Osun 2026: Adeleke, Oyebamiji, Salaam Lock Horns as Three-Way Guber Battle Takes Shape
Incumbency, structure and disruption redefine Osun’s next political test
Osun State is gradually slipping into full electioneering mode as the 2026 governorship contest assumes clearer shape, with Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party (AP), former Finance Commissioner Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex-Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), emerging as the central figures in a high-stakes three-way race.
Behind the relative calm in the polity, political calculations, regional permutations and strategic mobilisation are intensifying, with analysts describing the contest as one of the most consequential in the state’s recent political history.
Governor Adeleke’s decision to seek re-election on the platform of the Accord Party has continued to reshape the political landscape. Controversies surrounding the party’s governorship primary have, however, worked in his favour. Attempts by his perceived political opponents to derail his emergence failed after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) distanced itself from a parallel primary allegedly conducted by a faction of the party.
Governor Ademola Adeleke
INEC maintained that it only monitored the exercise that produced Adeleke as the valid candidate, a position that party leaders say effectively neutralised internal dissent. Political observers argue that the episode consolidated Adeleke’s grip on the party and reinforced his authority ahead of the August 8, 2026 governorship election.
Hailing from Ede in Ede North Local Government Area of Osun West Senatorial District, Adeleke is leaning heavily on incumbency, public visibility and the enduring influence of the Adeleke political brand. His strongest electoral base remains Osun West, where loyalty to the Adeleke dynasty runs deep across Ede North, Ede South, Ejigbo,
Irewole and Ayedade local governments.
The governor’s camp is optimistic that his administration’s emphasis on workers’ welfare, regular payment of salaries and pensions, road rehabilitation and revived public health facilities will resonate beyond his traditional base, particularly in Osun Central and parts of Osun East where swing voters often decide electoral outcomes.
Yet, Adeleke’s departure from a major party structure has exposed vulnerabilities. While his personal popularity is not in doubt, the Accord Party lacks the entrenched statewide machinery of the older parties. Analysts note that low voter education in some rural areas and the absence of long-established structures could pose challenges. As a result, Adeleke’s re-election strategy rests on converting personal appeal into a cross-party movement capable of neutralising structural disadvantages, especially in APC-leaning local governments such as Osogbo, Olorunda, Boripe and Ifelodun.
Determined to reclaim the state after its 2022 loss, the APC has moved swiftly to consolidate its ranks. The emergence of Bola Oyebamiji as the party’s consensus candidate reflects a conscious effort to avoid the internal divisions that undermined its previous campaign.
APC’,s Guber Nominee, Bola Oyebamiji
Oyebamiji, a former Commissioner for Finance in Osun State and immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, is from Ikire in Irewole Local Government Area of Osun West.
Within APC calculations, Oyebamiji’s technocratic profile and administrative experience are expected to appeal to civil servants, professionals and party loyalists who prioritise structure, competence and policy coherence. The party retains strong support across Osun Central and parts of Osun East, including Ife North, Ife Central, Oriade and Atakunmosa West, where progressive politics enjoys deep historical roots.
The APC is also leveraging its alignment with the Federal Government while intensifying grassroots mobilisation aimed at cutting into Adeleke’s Osun West stronghold.
Adding a disruptive layer to the contest is the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has formally joined the race with the emergence of former Speaker Najeem Salaam as its governorship candidate. Salaam, who represented Ejigbo State Constituency and served as Speaker between 2011 and 2015, clinched the ADC ticket at the party’s governorship primary, elevating the party from a fringe option to a serious contender.
Salaam’s candidacy has complicated the Osun West equation, as all three major contenders hail from the same senatorial district. Political analysts say this intra-zonal convergence could significantly fragment votes in the state’s most populous bloc. With his legislative experience, grassroots connections and long-standing political network, Salaam is positioning the ADC as a credible alternative for voters disenchanted with both incumbency and the APC’s comeback push.
ADC’s governorship candidate, former Speaker Najeem Salaam
The ADC’s reformist message, combined with growing national relevance, is expected to gain traction in urban centres such as Osogbo, Ile-Ife and Ilesa, while Salaam’s roots in Ejigbo could help the party penetrate Adeleke’s traditional base.
As always, geography and voter distribution will be decisive. Osun West remains the central battleground due to its population advantage, Osun Central is emerging as the APC’s primary recovery theatre, while Osun East is likely to function as the ultimate swing zone where narrow margins could determine the outcome.
Beyond party labels and personalities, voter sentiment is shifting. Economic pressures, youth unemployment, infrastructure quality and access to basic services are shaping political conversations across the state. Many voters appear increasingly focused on performance and credibility rather than party rhetoric.
With campaigns gradually gathering momentum, Osun’s political class recognises that the 2026 governorship election will be anything but routine. Framed by continuity, comeback and disruption, the three-way battle between Adeleke, Oyebamiji and Salaam is set to test not just party strength, but the electorate’s evolving expectations in a state long known for electoral surprises.
The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of violence at the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat, describing claims that he assaulted a party member as false and politically motivated.
An online platform, IMPARTNEWSNETWORK, had alleged that Akinmoyede assaulted one Gafar Oyebade during a meeting convened by the state chairman of the party, Alake Adeyemo, to resolve issues surrounding the executive list of the APC in Lagelu Local Government Area.
However, Akinmoyede, in a statement on Tuesday, said the meeting was peaceful and attended by key members of the state executive, including the chairman, deputy chairman, and secretary, who witnessed the proceedings.
He clarified that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the state leadership recognised him as the Public Relations Officer.
According to the lawmaker, following the clarification, the state executive directed the Lagelu Local Government chairman, Fatai Awoyoola, to proceed with the swearing-in of other party officials.
Akinmoyede also faulted attempts to link the incident with the 2019 killing of a former federal lawmaker, noting that a court of competent jurisdiction had already ruled on the matter.
He said, “In Suit No. I/70c/2019, delivered by Justice Mufutau Adegbola on January 23, 2020, all those accused were discharged and acquitted.”
The lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, alleging that Oyebade, a public school teacher under the Oyo State Government, should not be involved in partisan politics.
He described the allegation as a “recycled script” aimed at tarnishing his image ahead of political activities, urging constituents to remain calm.
Akinmoyede also called on journalists to verify information before publication and urged security agencies to take action against individuals who file false reports.
“These tactics surface every election cycle. Those behind them should learn to accept the outcomes of political processes. They failed before and will fail again. Power comes from God,” he added.
The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of assault levelled against him by a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagelu Local Government Area, Mr. Gafar Oyebade.
Akinmoyede described the allegation as “false” and “a lie taken too far,” insisting that no physical altercation occurred.
The denial was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Legislative Aide, Dr. Isiaq Akintunde.
Oyebade had alleged that he was hospitalised following a confrontation during a meeting held at the office of the state party chairman in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, convened to resolve a leadership dispute in the local government.
But the federal lawmaker maintained that the meeting was peaceful and attended by top party officials.
“The meeting was convened to clarify Mr. Oyebade’s position within the local executive, and it was attended by the State Party Chairman, his deputy, the secretary, the publicity secretary, and other key state executives, all of whom witnessed the peaceful proceedings,” the statement read.
He added that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the Lagelu Local Government Party Chairman, Hon. Fatai Awoyoola, identified him as the Public Relations Officer.
According to Akinmoyede, the state executive thereafter directed Awoyoola to proceed with the swearing-in of the remaining members of the local government executive.
The lawmaker accused Oyebade of fabricating the allegation to advance political interests.
“I wonder why Mr. Gafar Oyebade, a secondary school teacher, would claim he was assaulted in the presence of the State Executive. This is an attempt to justify money allegedly collected from an aspirant to tarnish my image,” he said.
Akinmoyede further claimed that Oyebade was seen walking freely after the meeting and was not hospitalised as alleged.
He also raised concerns over Oyebade’s involvement in partisan politics, noting that civil servants are restricted from active participation in political activities.
The lawmaker called on security agencies and the media to investigate the incident at the party’s Oke-Ado office to ascertain the veracity of the claims.
Efforts to reach Oyebade for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Aderemi Oseni, has declared his intention to contest the Oyo South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
Oseni made his aspiration known during a high-level meeting with the Ibarapa APC Elders’ and Leaders’ Forum, comprising the G9 and the expanded G64 caucus, held at the party secretariat in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area, over the weekend.
The G9 and G64 groups consist of influential stakeholders drawn from Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central, and Ibarapa North local government areas.
In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker expressed appreciation to the forum for their support and confidence in his leadership and vision.
He said his ambition to represent Oyo South Senatorial District was anchored on a determination to consolidate and expand his record of performance.
Oseni said, “This aspiration is not built on mere rhetoric, but on the continuity and expansion of a proven track record of quality representation and grassroots-oriented governance.”
While soliciting the support of party leaders, he described his ambition as a divine call to serve the people with renewed dedication.
According to him, “This is not a time for self-glory but a sacred responsibility to intensify efforts towards real development, bring more relief to our people and ensure inclusive governance.”
He pledged not to betray the trust reposed in him by party elders and faithful, stressing that his aspiration is rooted in progressive ideals and a genuine commitment to the development of the district.
Oseni also urged leaders in the zone to mobilise support towards delivering one million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming election.
Speaking at the meeting, a leader from Ibarapa East, Chief Michael Morawo, lauded the lawmaker for delivering democratic dividends and strengthening the party structure. He added that Oseni has demonstrated commendable leadership through his performance, noting that his impact in stabilising the party within the constituency is evident.
Similarly, a former council chairman in Ibarapa Central, Chief Theophilus Adenrele, commended the lawmaker for not betraying the trust reposed in him. Also, a chieftain from Ibarapa North, Chief Francis Babalola, described Oseni as a humble leader committed to progressive ideals, dismissing speculations about his possible defection if he does not secure the governorship ticket.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the forum, Chief Timothy Jolaoso, said the lawmaker enjoys widespread grassroots acceptance that cuts across political divides.
Jolaoso said, “All indicators consistently point to Oseni as a candidate with acceptance that transcends party lines. He is not only capable but a man of deep faith with proven empathy for the downtrodden.”
He added, “He possesses the goodwill, financial strength, and public trust required for leadership.”
The elder statesman further noted that Oseni’s performance in the House of Representatives, alongside his role as Chairman of the FERMA Committee, underscores his competence and commitment to development.
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