Osun 2026: 14 Candidates, 3 Leading Contenders, One Coveted Seat

With the 2026 Osun State governorship election drawing closer, 14 political parties have presented candidates, each seeking the mandate to lead the State of the Living Spring.
Although the race features a crowded field, political observers believe three candidates have emerged as the leading contenders: incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Najeem Salam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
As the August 15 election approaches, the trio has intensified campaigns across Osun's 30 local government areas, canvassing support and presenting their vision for the state's future.
Adeleke: Incumbent Seeks Second Term
For Governor Ademola Adeleke, the election is an opportunity to secure another four-year mandate after assuming office in 2022.
Before venturing into politics, Adeleke built a career as a businessman and corporate administrator in both Nigeria and the United States.
The Ede-born politician first contested the governorship in 2018 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but lost to the APC candidate, Adegboyega Oyetola. Undeterred, he returned in 2022 and defeated the incumbent governor, taking the oath of office on November 27, 2022.
Adeleke's political career began earlier in 2017 when he was elected senator representing Osun West Senatorial District, succeeding his late elder brother, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.
Popularly known as "Imole," the governor is campaigning for re-election on the strength of what he describes as his administration's achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, education and other critical sectors over the past three years.
Oyebamiji: Banker Turned Public Administrator
Flying the flag of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is Bola Oyebamiji, a seasoned banker and financial expert with extensive public-sector experience.
Oyebamiji served as Osun State Commissioner for Finance from 2017 to 2022, spanning the administrations of former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola.
A native of Ikire in Irewole Local Government Area of Osun West Senatorial District, he is widely known by the acronym "AMBO," derived from his full name, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
He later served as Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) before resigning in November 2025 to pursue his governorship ambition.
Now on the campaign trail, Oyebamiji is presenting his financial management and administrative experience as the foundation of his bid to govern Osun State.
Salam: Former Speaker Eyes Top Seat
Another prominent contender is Najeem Salam, the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
A native of Ejigbo in Ejigbo Local Government Area, Salam is widely known among supporters as "Iwaloye." He holds a doctorate degree in Political Science.
His political career began in 2007 when he was elected to represent Ejigbo State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly. However, the Court of Appeal nullified the election in 2009 following the omission of his party's logo from the ballot paper.
He returned to contest the seat in 2011, won convincingly and was subsequently elected Speaker of the House of Assembly, serving in that capacity from 2011 to 2015. Salam later returned to the Assembly, serving until 2019.
He is now seeking to translate his legislative experience into executive leadership as he campaigns for the state's highest office.
Other Candidates in the Race
Beyond the three leading contenders, 11 other candidates are also participating in the governorship election. They include Olanrewaju Farinloye of the Action Alliance (AA); Olajide Esan of the African Action Congress (AAC); Adeagbo Opawoye of the African Democratic Party (ADP); Adesina Adeyemi-Doro of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); Adewale Adebayo of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM); Clement Adesuyi of the Action Peoples Party (APP); Masilo Adeleke of the Boot Party (BP); Taofeek Adeleke of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP); Saliu Oyelami of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP); Olalekan Ogunsakin of the Young Progressives Party (YPP); and Adefemi Adesuyi of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Also in the contest is the election's only female candidate, Yemisi Adeagbo of the African Democratic Party (ADP), an 84-year-old retired school principal.
For the people of Osun State, the countdown has begun. On August 15, campaign promises, political calculations and months of canvassing will culminate at the ballot box as voters decide who will govern the State of the Living Spring for the next four years.