INEC Unveils Final List of Candidates for 2026 Osun Governorship Election

Osogbo, Osun State – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of nominated candidates for the 2026 Osun State governorship election, featuring 14 political parties set to contest the poll scheduled for August 15, 2026. Notable absences include the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), which failed to field candidates despite the high-stakes nature of the race.

In a letter signed by INEC Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony, dated March 4, 2026, and titled ‘Forwarding of Final List of Candidates for the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election,’ the commission confirmed that the publication aligns with Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026. The list highlights key pairings, including changes in running mates and the retention of incumbents, as political heavyweights gear up for what promises to be a fiercely contested battle.

As previously reported by NaijaChoice News, the election timetable had set March 9, 2026, as the deadline for publishing the final list, following party primaries that concluded in December 2025. The rescheduling of the poll from August 8 to August 15 was announced earlier by INEC to accommodate logistical adjustments, ensuring a smooth electoral process in the state.

Key Candidates and Running Mates

The list showcases a mix of experienced politicians, former lawmakers, and younger aspirants, with the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, seeking re-election under a new platform. Here are the highlights:

• All Progressives Congress (APC): Bola Oyebamiji, the party’s flagbearer, has selected Benjamin Adereti as his running mate. Adereti, who contested the 2023 House of Representatives seat for Ife Federal Constituency but lost to Bimbo Ajilesoro of the then-PDP, replaces former state lawmaker Tunde Olatunji from an earlier provisional list.
• African Democratic Congress (ADC): Former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam, is the governorship candidate, paired with Yemisi Agiri as his female running mate, adding a gender dimension to the ticket.
• Accord Party: Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, 65, has retained his current deputy, Kola Adewusi, as running mate. Adeleke’s switch to Accord from the PDP, where he won the 2022 election, comes amid internal party crises that led to the PDP’s exclusion from the race.
• New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP): Adeleke Adewale Taofeek, 52, teams up with 36-year-old Adeyera Oluwabusola Adesola, bringing a blend of experience and youth to the contest.
• Zenith Labour Party (ZLP): Adesuyi Olufemi, 50, has chosen Abdulsalam Olamide, 35, as his deputy.
• African Action Congress (AAC): Esan Olamide, 39, is running with Bello Muideen Yekeen, 51.

Other cleared parties include Action Alliance (AA), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and Young Progressive Party (YPP). INEC emphasized that only these 14 parties met the nomination requirements, with the PDP and LP notably missing due to failure to upload candidate details within the stipulated timeframe.

Political Context and Implications

The absence of the PDP, which governed Osun from 2022 until Adeleke’s defection, has raised eyebrows in political circles. Analysts suggest internal factionalism and legal disputes may have hampered the party’s participation, paving the way for a fragmented opposition. Similarly, the LP’s non-involvement could stem from national leadership challenges following the 2023 general elections.

For the APC, Oyebamiji’s candidacy follows a competitive primary in December 2025, where he emerged from a field of nine aspirants, including notable figures like former deputy governor Benedict Alabi. His choice of Adereti is seen as a strategic move to consolidate support in the Ife axis.

Governor Adeleke’s retention of Adewusi signals continuity, with his administration highlighting achievements in infrastructure, education, and youth empowerment. However, critics point to ongoing debates over state debt and governance style as potential flashpoints in the campaign.

INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun, Dr Mutiu Agboke, urged parties and candidates to adhere to electoral guidelines, warning against violence or malpractices. The commission has also published candidates’ personal particulars for public scrutiny, in line with transparency requirements.

With campaigns set to intensify, the 2026 Osun poll is expected to test the resilience of Nigeria’s democracy in the Southwest region.