Adeleke Re-elected Governor of Osun State Amid Peaceful Polls

Senator Ademola Adeleke has secured re-election as the Governor of Osun State, Nigeria, triumphing over strong challenges from Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress and Hon. Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress. The gubernatorial poll, conducted on Saturday, August 15, 2026, unfolded peacefully across the state's 30 local government areas, a notable departure from the pre-election period marked by reports of political violence.

Adeleke, often referred to as the 'Dancing Governor,' first assumed office in 2022 under the banner of the People's Democratic Party. Following internal party crises, he resigned from the PDP in November 2025 and joined the Accord Party. His campaign for re-election centered on a "five-point reloaded agenda" targeting youth, women, workers, infrastructure, agro-industrialization, health, and education. He also emphasized his administration's accomplishments over the past three years, including extensive road construction, the development of three flyovers, numerous boreholes, a significant medical outreach program, investments in cooperatives, and the clearing of substantial pension debts. His tenure also saw Osun's ranking in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) improve dramatically from 33rd to 7th.

The All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, campaigned on a "prosperity agenda," backed by national party leaders. He positioned himself as a "technocrat" alternative to the incumbent governor.

Meanwhile, Hon. Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress presented a 10-point agenda. The ADC, bolstered by figures like former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, aimed to serve as a platform for disgruntled members of the APC and PDP.

A key development leading up to the election was the significant party realignment. The national and state-level PDP experienced a collapse, prompting Adeleke's move to the Accord Party. While the Accord Party has a weaker national presence, it provided Adeleke with a recognized platform and full control of the party's machinery in Osun State.