Osun poll: I’ll defeat Oyebamiji before 4pm, Adeleke boasts

From the desk of The Punch, Nigeria.

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Both Oyetola and Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) of the APC are afraid of the upcoming election in Osun and I am certain we will defeat them before 4pm on August 15.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State is projecting an unshakeable confidence in his re-election bid, boldly declaring that the upcoming August 15 governorship election will be a mere formality. His pronouncements, made via his X handle, suggest a significant disconnect between his perceived popularity and that of his opponents, Bola Oyebamiji and former governor Gboyega Oyetola, of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Adeleke's assertion that he will secure victory 'before 4pm' on election day paints a picture of a politician supremely assured of his mandate and the electorate's support.

This confidence appears to be rooted in what Adeleke describes as internal polling data, including figures allegedly commissioned by the APC itself. These polls, according to the governor, consistently place his popularity between 68% and 72%, while the opposition languishes below 30%. Such claims, if accurate, would indicate a strong public endorsement of his administration's performance and policies. Adeleke's camp emphasizes that 'the people of Osun have spoken, they are strongly behind us,' framing the election not as a contest but as a confirmation of existing public sentiment.

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Their own APC commissioned polls, from late 2025 to March 2026, tell the story clearly. Every single one placed their popularity below 30%. Mine? 68 to 72 percent. Consistently.

In preparation for what he anticipates will be a decisive victory, Governor Adeleke has also formalized his campaign structure. The establishment of the 52-member Imole Campaign Council 2026 signals a strategic approach to consolidating his support base and intensifying grassroots engagement. This move underscores the seriousness with which his administration views the election, despite the governor's public declarations of an easy win. The council's mandate to coordinate campaign planning and voter mobilization across all levels, from federal constituencies to wards, demonstrates a comprehensive strategy aimed at ensuring a resounding triumph for the incumbent governor.

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The people of Osun have spoken, they are strongly behind us in ACCORD, and that is all that matters. August 15 is not a battle. It is a formality.