The build-up to the 2026 off-cycle governorship election in Osun State is taking clearer shape as political parties conclude their primaries and position their flagbearers for what is shaping up to be a three-horse contest.
So far, the emerging contenders are Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, Adebayo “Fryo” Adedamola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and former Speaker Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The All Progressives Congress (APC) is expected to announce its candidate tomorrow, with strong indications pointing toward Mr. Bola Oyebamiji as the preferred choice.
PDP Crisis Forces Adeleke Out
One of the biggest factors reshaping the Osun race is the deep internal crisis within the PDP. The turmoil effectively cost Governor Adeleke his re-election platform, reducing the party’s dominance and pushing it into opposition status.
Amid the infighting, Adeleke attempted a move to the APC, but the move was rejected by party stakeholders who accused him of bypassing the leadership structure led by Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
When the PDP crisis escalated, especially after the Governor Seyi Makinde-backed faction held a controversial convention in Ibadan against the stance of the Nyesom Wike-led group, Adeleke’s chances completely collapsed. Attempts at reconciliation came too late, prompting him to find a new platform.
Adeleke ultimately defected to Accord, where he secured the governorship ticket unopposed, polling 145 of 150 delegate votes at the party’s primary in Osogbo.
Meanwhile, before his defection, the Makinde-aligned PDP faction conducted its primary and produced Adebayo Adedamola—popularly known as Fryo—as its candidate.
APC Primary Locked in Controversy
Within the APC, tension revolves around the crowded field of aspirants and a controversial disqualification process. Although 13 aspirants initially signified interest, only eight purchased nomination forms. After screening, six were disqualified for “improper nomination,” raising concerns about transparency.
Despite meeting with President Bola Tinubu, the disqualified aspirants insist the process was flawed. They argue that the disqualification must be reversed if a truly consensus candidate is to emerge.
Senator Iyiola Omisore, who did not attend the presidential meeting, publicly criticized Oyetola, accusing him of trying to impose a candidate without due consultation. He maintained that he would only accept the President’s directive if the party reforms its approach and restores credibility to the process.
Barring any last-minute surprises, Bola Oyebamiji—widely regarded as Oyetola’s preferred aspirant—is expected to clinch the APC ticket on Saturday.
ADC Picks Salaam, Adeoti Walks Away
The African Democratic Congress, under the influence of former governor Rauf Aregbesola, has also faced its own turbulence. The party adopted former Speaker Najeem Salaam as its candidate, a move that triggered the resignation of influential grassroots politician, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti.
Adeoti, a former Secretary to the State Government under Aregbesola, quit the party citing family reasons, signalling further division within the ADC bloc.
A Three-Man Show Looms
With the political dust settling, Osun appears headed for a three-way governorship battle involving:
- Governor Ademola Adeleke (Accord)
- Bola Oyebamiji (APC – expected)
- Najeem Salaam (ADC)
Analysts predict that the PDP—now weakened by internal fractures—may play a spoiler role, likely splitting votes that would otherwise have gone to Accord. Similarly, the ADC is expected to draw heavily from the APC’s support base, especially among Aregbesola loyalists.
As Osun gears up for 2026, the political landscape is already charged, with alliances shifting and party loyalties undergoing major realignments. The coming months promise an intense and unpredictable race.
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