Oyetola's Influence Looms Over Osun's 2026 Election

The August 2026 governorship election in Osun State will see incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, known as the Dancing Governor, face a challenge from a political machine led by former governor Gboyega Oyetola, who is currently Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. Although Oyetola is not on the ballot, he is shaping the All Progressives Congress (APC) strategy, which has nominated Munirudeen Oyebamiji, widely known as AMBO.

Oyetola's close relationship with President Bola Tinubu has resulted in a National Campaign Council that prioritizes Osun as a target for reclaiming the South-west. Adeleke's position is weakened due to his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the Accord Party, fracturing the coalition that supported him in 2022.

This has turned the election into a three-way contest involving the APC and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The APC has also gained an advantage in local government control, complicating Adeleke's campaign efforts.