As Osun State heads to the polls on August 15, 2026, no fewer than 13 candidates are vying for the governorship seat, offering voters a wide range of political choices across the state.
The race features the incumbent governor, former commissioners, a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, entrepreneurs, technocrats and candidates campaigning as alternatives to the state’s dominant political blocs.
Although the major contest is widely expected to centre on the leading candidates of the Accord Party, All Progressives Congress (APC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC), the other contenders are also seeking to attract voters with promises of good governance, accountability, economic development, job creation and improved welfare.
Here is a look at the candidates and what they are offering voters:
Ademola Adeleke — Accord Party
The incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, is seeking a second term after a political journey that took him from business into elective politics.
Before entering politics, Adeleke had business and corporate interests in Nigeria and the United States. He first contested the Osun governorship election in 2018 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but lost to APC candidate Gboyega Oyetola.
Four years later, Adeleke defeated Oyetola to win the governorship and was sworn in on November 27, 2022.
The 2026 election therefore presents Adeleke with an opportunity to secure another four-year mandate and continue his administration’s programmes.
Bola Oyebamiji — APC
The APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, brings experience in finance and public administration to the race.
An indigene of Ikire in Irewole Local Government Area, Oyebamiji served as Osun Commissioner for Finance from 2017 to 2022 under the administrations of Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola.
He later became Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), a position he resigned from in November 2025 to pursue his governorship ambition.
His campaign has focused on tackling poverty and hunger while prioritising agriculture, education, healthcare and human-capital development.
Najeem Salaam — ADC
Najeem Salaam is one of the most experienced politicians in the race.
The ADC candidate, an indigene of Ejigbo, holds a doctorate in political science and has spent several years in Osun politics.
He was first elected to the Osun State House of Assembly in 2007, although the result was later nullified by the Court of Appeal over the omission of his party’s logo.
Salaam returned to the Assembly in 2011 and became Speaker, a position he held until 2015. He was re-elected in 2017 and remained in the legislature until 2019.
He is campaigning on a promise to build on the achievements of previous administrations while addressing gaps in governance and delivering a people-centred government.
Olanrewaju Farinloye — Action Alliance
Olanrewaju “Emanuel” Farinloye, the Action Alliance candidate, is an indigene of Ilesa.
Farinloye has framed his candidacy as a call to public service rather than a pursuit of personal ambition. Introducing himself to voters, he described himself as a son, brother and friend of the people of Osun.
His campaign is focused on offering voters an alternative political platform and a leadership built around service.
Olajide Esan — AAC
At 39, Olajide Esan represents one of the younger candidates in the race.
The entrepreneur and car dealer emerged as the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate through a consensus arrangement.
Esan has made transparency and citizen participation central to his campaign. Among his proposals is a public financial dashboard that would allow residents to monitor government spending.
Adeagbo Opawoye — ADP
Adeagbo Opawoye is the candidate of the African Democratic Party (ADP) and the only female candidate among the 14 parties cleared for the election.
A retired school principal, Opawoye is presenting herself as a different leadership option in a race dominated by male candidates.
Her campaign places emphasis on workers’ welfare, human development and improved governance.
Adeleke Masilo — Boot Party
Adeleke Masilo, a graduate of the University of Ilorin, is contesting under the Boot Party.
Masilo previously sought election to the Senate in 2023 but was unsuccessful.
For the governorship race, he is campaigning on the promise of a people-focused administration, with citizens’ welfare and wellbeing at the centre of government policy.
Adewale Adebayo — APM
Adewale Adebayo is the candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
A real estate developer and Chief Executive Officer of Tri Edge Real Estate, Adebayo also has an academic background in public administration and economic policy.
His campaign has focused on fighting corruption, creating employment opportunities and providing what he describes as the executive leadership needed to reposition Osun State.
Clement Adesuyi — APP
Clement Adesuyi is the candidate of the Action Peoples Party (APP).
He emerged as the party’s governorship standard-bearer in December 2025 and is seeking to transform the APP’s presence in Osun into a serious challenge.
His campaign priorities include youth empowerment, healthcare, education and infrastructure, which he considers essential to the state’s development.
Taofeek Adeleke — NNPP
Taofeek Adeleke is contesting under the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
He emerged as the party’s governorship candidate in December 2025 and has positioned himself as an alternative to the established political forces in the state.
Adeleke has vowed to defeat the incumbent and pursue sustainable development if elected.
Olalekan Ogunsakin — YPP
Olalekan Ogunsakin is the Young Progressives Party (YPP) candidate.
His campaign is targeting voters seeking a departure from Osun’s traditional political establishment and a different approach to governance.
Ogunsakin is presenting the YPP as an alternative platform for residents who want a fresh political direction.
Adefemi Adesuyi — ZLP
Adefemi Adesuyi is the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) candidate.
He has positioned himself as an alternative to the dominant political parties, arguing that a section of the electorate is dissatisfied with the continued influence of the major political blocs.
His agenda focuses on accountable and citizen-driven governance, improved public services, economic opportunities and greater public participation in monitoring government performance.
Saliu Oyelami — PRP
Saliu Oyelami is flying the flag of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in the governorship election.
His candidacy represents the PRP’s effort to provide voters with another political option beyond the major parties.
Oyelami joins the crowded field of candidates seeking to convince Osun voters that a different political path is possible.
The race ahead
With 13 candidates on the ballot, the August 15 election offers Osun voters a broad range of choices. However, attention remains largely focused on the contest involving the incumbent Adeleke, APC’s Oyebamiji and ADC’s Salaam.
Beyond the headline battle, the smaller parties and their candidates are hoping to turn public dissatisfaction, youth engagement, demands for accountability and calls for better welfare into electoral support.
The outcome will ultimately be decided by voters across Osun State, who will determine whether Adeleke earns another term or the state gets a new occupant of the Government House.
Credit: Vanguard
