As Osun State set to elect its next governor on August 15, 2026, voters will have 13 candidates to choose from across the political spectrum. The contest features the incumbent, former commissioners, a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, entrepreneurs, technocrats and candidates offering themselves as alternatives to the dominant political blocs.
While the major battle is expected to revolve around the leading candidates of the Accord Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the other contenders are also campaigning on platforms centred on good governance, accountability, economic development and improved welfare.
Ademola Adeleke — Accord Party
The incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, is seeking another term after a political journey that saw him move from business into elective politics. Before his political career, Adeleke had business and corporate interests in Nigeria and the United States.
He first contested the Osun governorship election in 2018 on the PDP platform but lost to APC candidate Gboyega Oyetola. Four years later, he defeated Oyetola to become governor, taking office on November 27, 2022.
