#OsunDecides2026: 21 things to know about Osun State

Tension is mounting in Osun State as the August 15 governorship election approaches, marking the second off-cycle gubernatorial contest in Nigeria this year. Political parties are finalizing their campaigns for the poll, which has become a focal point of public discourse nationwide.

The contest is largely shaped around three main contenders, with some political actors reportedly aligning with leading candidates, particularly Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The election is anticipated to draw considerable attention as voters head to the polling units.

Osun State, created on August 27, 1991, is located in Nigeria's South-west geopolitical zone. Its capital is Osogbo, and it shares borders with Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Ogun, and Oyo states. The state's official slogan is "Land of Virtue," and it is popularly known as the "State of the Living Spring," referencing the Osun River.

Currently, Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party governs Osun State, having been sworn in on November 27, 2022. He is seeking a second term in the upcoming election. The state has experienced ten governors, both military and civilian, since its creation. Population figures are largely projections, with the 2006 census recording 3.4 million residents, while state government estimates place it around 4.7 million based on a 2016 projection. Osun State has 30 local government areas and 3,763 polling units.