Home NewsWhy There Is So Much Focus On OSUN Elections

Why There Is So Much Focus On OSUN Elections

by Jamiu Abubakar
  • What Gov. ADELEKE & BOLA OYEBAMIJI Are Planning

  • Why They Are Focusing On IFE Fed Constituency

Why is there so much attention on the politics going on in Osun, right now? Why is everyone concerned with who will win, or, lose out in the governorship race, as election date is drawing near.

The Osun State Governorship election, earlier fixed for Saturday 8th August 2026 has now been rescheduled to Saturday 15th August 2026.

And all the big players and stakeholders are busy strategising on how to out play each other. We can tell you that the Osun State gubernatorial election is getting a lot of attention for several reasons. Firstly, it’s seen as a litmus test for the Nigerian political system, coming just a year before the 2027 general elections. The election is also significant because it’s a battle for the control of the state, with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke seeking re-election on the Accord Party platform, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) is looking to regain power with candidate Hon. Bola Oyebamiji.

The election is also being closely watched because of its potential impact on President Bola Tinubu’s legacy and his re-election bid in 2027. A win for the APC in Osun would be a boost for Tinubu, while a loss could embolden opposition elements.

Additionally, the election is seen as a test of the strength of the various political parties, including the APC, PDP, and Accord Party, and their ability to mobilize support and win elections.

Right now, there is so much attention on Ife federal constituency votes.

Why is Ife important in the politics of Osun State many have asked.

We can tell you. Ife votes is a big deal in Osun politics! Ife is considered the ancestral home of the Yoruba people and a symbol of cultural heritage. Whoever wins Ife often has a strong chance of winning the state election. It’s a key swing area with significant influence on the outcome.

What are the election dynamics in Osun State?

The Osun State gubernatorial election dynamics are quite interesting. Ife Federal Constituency is a key player, with a large voter base that can influence statewide margins. In fact, Ife’s voting pattern shows a higher tendency toward cohesion, making it a crucial swing vote.

What are the key factors:

– Voter Density: Ife has a densely populated constituency with significant voter influence.

– Cultural Significance: Ile-Ife is considered the cradle of Yoruba civilization, adding emotional resonance.

– Swing Vote Potential: Ife’s votes can decide the election outcome.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has picked a deputy governorship candidate from Ife to balance the ticket and strengthen their chances.

Why are all governorship aspirants going to Ife to pick running mates?

Political analysts say Governorship aspirants in Osun State are targeting Ife for their running mates because of its significant influence and voter density. Ife Federal Constituency is a major zone in Osun State, and selecting a candidate from this area promotes balance and inclusivity within the party. The constituency’s ancestral cultural significance, being the cradle of Yoruba culture, also makes it an attractive choice.

In fact, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, has already picked Benjamin Adereti, a former House of Representatives candidate for Ife Federal Constituency, as his running mate. This strategic move is expected to strengthen the party’s chances of winning the election.

How strong is Gov. Adeleke in Ife? Did Gov. Adeleke win in Ife at the last elections?

Yes is the answer Gov Adeleke won in some parts of Ife, but not all. He won in Ife North with 10,359 votes, while Oyetola scored 9,964 votes. However, Oyetola won in Ife South with 12,481 votes, while Adeleke got 9,116 votes. In Ife Central, Oyetola defeated Adeleke with 17,880 votes to 13,532 votes.

Adeleke’s running mate is from Ife. He is the current Deputy Governor

Ife is part of Osun East Senatorial District. This district includes areas like Ife East, Ife North, Ife South, and Ife Central.

Let’s quickly tell you that Osun State has 3 senatorial zones:

– Osun Central Senatorial District: This includes local government areas like Boluwaduro, Boripe, Ifedayo, Ifelodun, Ila, Irepodun, Odo Otin, Olorunda, Orolu, and Osogbo.

– Osun East Senatorial District: This covers Atakunmosa East, Atakunmosa West, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, Ife South, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Obokun, and Oriade.

– Osun West Senatorial District: This includes Aiyedaade, Aiyedire, Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, Ejigbo, Irewole, Isokan, Iwo, and Ola Oluwa.

The current senators representing Osun State are:

– Fadahunsi Adenigba Francis – Osun East Senatorial District (PDP).

– Fadeyi Oluwole Olubiyi – Osun Central Senatorial District (PDP).

– Oyewumi Kamorudeen Olalere – Osun West Senatorial District (PDP).

All 3 senators are from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) but they have decamped to APC.

What is the fate of Gov Adeleke in Accord?

Insiders say Gov Adeleke is doing great in Accord. He was recently affirmed as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2026 Osun State election, securing 145 out of 150 votes from delegates. This comes after he joined the party in November 2025, citing its focus on welfarism and citizen welfare as aligning with his administration’s priorities.

The Accord Party leadership has reaffirmed Adeleke’s nomination, dismissing objections from expelled members as baseless. With Adeleke at the helm, Accord is expected to make a strong showing in the August 2026 election.

What are his campaign promises?

Gov Adeleke’s campaign promises for the 2026 Osun State governorship election include:

– Integrated Citizens and Workers’ Welfare: Focus on improving the well-being of citizens and workers.

– Infrastructure Consolidation for Economic Prosperity: Enhance infrastructure to boost economic growth.

– Increased Agro-Industrial Expansion for Youth Empowerment: Expand agro-industrial activities to empower youths.

– Innovations for Health, Education and Social Care: Improve healthcare, education, and social services.

– Improved Business Environment for Job Creation: Create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and create jobs.

Adeleke has also highlighted his achievements, including moving Osun from 33rd to 7th in national examination ratings, reducing infrastructure deficit by over 40%, and paying over 40% of inherited debt.

What is Adeleke’s governance records? We can tell you.

Gov Adeleke’s governance records are impressive! Here are some key highlights:

– Healthcare & Social Welfare: Over 200 health centers upgraded, free surgeries for 50,000 citizens, and expanded health insurance for pensioners and persons with disabilities.

– Infrastructure: 150km of roads constructed/rehabilitated, including Oke Fia Flyover, and dualization of major roads in Ede, Ilesa, and Iwo.

– Fiscal Discipline: 43% debt reduction, 97.3% IGR growth in 2024, and ranked 5th in Nigeria’s Fiscal Transparency League Table 2025.

– Economic Empowerment: ¦ 1.58 billion Cooperative Revolving Loan Scheme, Imole Business Empowerment Scheme, and Osun Electricity Market Bill for energy investment.

– Education & Innovation: Osun’s national exam ranking jumped from 33rd to 7th, 250 new classrooms built, and University of Ilesa established.

– Welfare: N48 billion pension debt cleared, N75,000 minimum wage, and Imole Free Train Service for citizens.

Adeleke’s administration has also received recognition, including the 2025 Nigerian Icon of Good Governance Award from Nigerian Books of Record.

Is Osun APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji a strong candidate?

Many think so. They feel he has federal might behind him. Bola Oyebamiji, the APC candidate for the Osun 2026 governorship election, is believed to be a strong contender. He has expressed confidence in his chances, stating he doesn’t have a competitor and is poised to win. Oyebamiji has also garnered support from various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, men, and women across the 30 local governments in Osun State.

Some of his strengths include:

– Unity and Organisational Strength: The APC is reportedly entering the 2026 election more cohesive and strategically prepared.

– Grassroots Engagement: Oyebamiji has been engaging with stakeholders, and his party has been mobilising support across the state.

– Popularity: An opinion poll projected Oyebamiji to win with 52% of the votes, ahead of incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.

However, it’s essential to consider other factors, such as the incumbent governor’s solid support base and the economic pressures facing the state .

Bola Oyebamiji, the APC candidate for the Osun 2026 governorship election, has chosen Hon. Benjamin Adereti, a former House of Representatives candidate for Ife Federal Constituency, as his running mate. Adereti, an Ife indigene, replaces Tunde Olatunji, a former state lawmaker, who was initially listed as Oyebamiji’s deputy.

This strategic move is seen as a bid to strengthen APC’s chances in the election, promoting balance and inclusivity within the party. Ife Federal Constituency is a significant zone in Osun State, and selecting a candidate from this area is expected to resonate with voters and boost APC’s image.

What is the voting power of Osun Central and Osun West?

Osun Central and Osun West have significant voting power in Osun State. Here are some key statistics from the 2022 gubernatorial election?

– Osun Central:

– Registered voters: 283,991

– Votes cast: 136,294 (APC) and 138,733 (PDP)

– Winner: Ademola Adeleke (PDP) with 48.85% of the votes

– Osun West:

– Registered voters: 270,246

– Votes cast: 116,860 (APC) and 144,558 (PDP)

– Winner: Ademola Adeleke (PDP) with 53.49% of the votes

In terms of voter registration, Osun State has a total of 2.68 million registered voters, with Osun leading the registration figures with 208,357 new voters.

What is the voting power in Osun State?

Osun State has a total of 1,954,800 registered voters, with 360,794 permanent voter cards (PVCs) still uncollected. The state’s voting power is significant, with various zones contributing to its electoral strength.

What are the key Voting Zones?

– Osun Central: 283,991 registered voters, with Adeleke securing 48.85% of votes in 2022

– Osun West: 270,246 registered voters, with Adeleke securing 53.49% of votes in 2022

– Ife Federal Constituency: Historically influential, with bulk votes capable of swinging elections.

Who is the ADC fielding in the August 15th governorship election?

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is fielding Najeem Salaam, a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, as its gubernatorial candidate.

He secured the party’s ticket after winning the primary election with 520 votes out of 528 delegates. His running mate is Yemisi Agiri, a female candidate from the Isokan zone of Osun State.

Najeem has promised a lot. What are his campaign promise?

Najeem Salaam, the ADC governorship candidate, has made several campaign promises for the 2026 Osun State election. Here are some key highlights:

– Inclusive Governance: Salaam vows to run an inclusive government where everyone has a say, ensuring that all communities are represented.

– Workers’ Welfare: He promises to prioritize workers’ welfare, describing dignity of labor, timely payment of salaries, and improved working conditions as non-negotiable.

– Economic Development: Salaam aims to rebuild the state, focusing on economic growth, accountability, and leadership that listens to the people.

– Cultural Preservation: He emphasizes the importance of preserving Osun’s culture and traditions, engaging with traditional rulers to promote unity and development.

– Grassroots Development: Salaam commits to grassroots development, promising effective service delivery and responsiveness to the people’s needs.

These promises are part of his vision for Osun State’s future. How about Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, another big player?

What is Aregbesola’s role in Osun politics right now? We can tell you.

Rauf Aregbesola is a prominent figure in Osun politics, having served as the Governor of Osun State from 2010 to 2018. He’s known for his grassroots mobilization skills, infrastructural development policies, and education reforms. Aregbesola was a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) but was expelled in 2025 due to alleged anti-party activities. He now serves as the Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Aregbesola’s influence in Osun politics is significant, with many considering him a key player in the state’s electoral landscape. His “Omoluabi” movement, which emphasizes Yoruba cultural pride and values, continues to shape local politics.

Rauf Aregbesola politics is rooted in grassroots mobilization, infrastructural development, and education reforms. He served as Governor of Osun State from 2010 to 2018, implementing policies that promoted Yoruba cultural pride and values. Aregbesola’s “Omoluabi” movement emphasizes integrity, discipline, humility, and respect, and has become a significant force in Osun politics. He’s known for his visionary approach, introducing initiatives like the “Opon Imo” tablet for education and the “O-YES” scheme for youth empowerment. Aregbesola’s legacy extends beyond his tenure, with his influence still shaping local debates and elections.

He is confident ADC will win the 2026 governorship election in Osun State. His decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) sparked a debate, with some viewing it as a bold move and others as a sign of disloyalty.

His role in ADC is to build a party committed to democratic values, social justice, and national development. As National Secretary, he’s working to establish a clear ideological compass, promote internal democracy, and ensure the party listens to and works for the people, not just during elections.

Aregbesola’s role involves galvanizing and mobilizing voters, particularly in the Southwest, to support the ADC in the 2026 and 2027 elections. He’s also focused on rebuilding the party, restoring its soul, and returning politics to its rightful place as a service to the people.

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