Intense Rivalry in Osun Governorship Race Ahead of 2026

The Osun governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026, is heating up as major political parties, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party, intensify their campaigns. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Hon. Najeem Salaam, a former speaker of the State House of Assembly, is engaging voters and may benefit from the support of former governor Rauf Aregbesola.

All three main candidates—Salaam, Bola Oyebamiji of the APC, and Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party—are from the Osun West senatorial district, making it a critical battleground. Oyebamiji, from Ikire, faces competition from Senator Lere Oyewumi, while Adeleke's stronghold in Ede is challenged by Bamidele Salaam and Hon. Adejare Bello, who aims to reduce Adeleke's margins.

The political dynamics in Irewole and Ede North and South are pivotal as local loyalties clash with party affiliations.