Campaign activities for the 2026 governorship election in Osun State officially commenced on Wednesday, with major contenders expressing strong confidence in their chances ahead of the poll scheduled for 15 August.
The election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixed 11 March as the official start date for campaigns. The electoral body also rescheduled the governorship election from its earlier date of 8 August 2026 to 15 August 2026.
Incumbent governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking a second term, will contest the election on the platform of the Accord party. The main opposition, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has fielded former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji, as its candidate.
Another notable contender is former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam, who is contesting under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking on his chances in the forthcoming poll, Governor Adeleke expressed confidence that voters would return him to office, citing his administration’s achievements as justification for a second term.
The governor made the remarks while hosting a delegation from the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Osun State Council, during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Osogbo.
“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,” Adeleke said.
Defending his record in office, he maintained that his administration had implemented numerous development initiatives across the state, which he believes justify his bid for re-election.
According to him, his government has empowered cooperative societies with nearly ₦4 billion and strengthened community development associations through grassroots health and infrastructure projects. He also highlighted the Imole Medical Outreach programme, which he said has benefited nearly 80,000 residents.
Adeleke further pointed to agricultural reforms, including the revival of cocoa farming through the distribution of seedlings and new farmer initiatives, as well as the acquisition of tractors to support farmers across the state.
Other achievements he listed include the construction of over 350 kilometres of roads, development of three major flyovers, rehabilitation of waterworks, drilling of 332 boreholes, and the renovation of schools and health centres. He also said his administration had cleared inherited half salaries and paid almost ₦100 billion in pension debts.
Despite these claims, the APC insisted that it was determined to unseat the incumbent governor in the upcoming election.
In a statement issued by the party’s spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, the APC criticised Adeleke’s administration, accusing it of misgovernance and inconsistent policies.
The party said its candidate, Oyebamiji, alongside his running mate, Benjamin Kayode Adereti, had been working tirelessly to prepare for leadership.
According to the APC, voters should use the election to remove Adeleke from office, arguing that his performance has been insufficient to move the state forward.
With campaigns now officially underway, political activities across Osun State are expected to intensify as parties mobilise support ahead of the decisive August 15 governorship election.
