Osun loss: APC youth leader urges major party overhaul

Meet 15 candidates vying for Osun governorship seat The August 15, 2026, governorship election in Osun State is set to feature 15 political parties, with 14 confirmed candidates competing for the top administrative post. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has registered 2,339,233 eligible voters, marking a significant increase compared to previous elections. Among the candidates is the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, who runs under the Accord Party banner, and Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who has emerged as his main rival. Other notable candidates include Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress, Farinloye Olarenwaju of the Action Alliance, and Adeagbo Opawoye, the sole female candidate from the African Democratic Party. The race has drawn attention due to the intensity of political activity and the growing concern over security challenges. Ahead of the election, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has deployed its National Election Observers Team to Osun State, underscoring its commitment to monitoring the electoral process and ensuring adherence to legal frameworks. The team, led by Festus Okoye, arrived in the state on Friday, with plans to monitor the conduct of Saturday's election. The NBA's involvement reflects broader efforts by civil society organizations to uphold electoral integrity and prevent violence. Political leaders and activists have also voiced calls for peace and stability ahead of the election. Former presidential candidate Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) urged all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and credible election, emphasizing that the people of Osun must be allowed to vote freely and without intimidation. Obi called on security agencies to remain neutral and committed to protecting every voter, stressing that democracy is not merely about who wins but whether the people are truly allowed to choose. Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Olugbenga Ajala, has expressed optimism about the party's chances despite being listed on the ballot just three days before the election. Ajala acknowledged the short timeframe for canvassing but maintained confidence in the SDP's ability to secure victory. The late listing of the SDP candidate followed a court ruling that compelled INEC to recognize the party's entry into the race. Amidst the political fervor, concerns over violence and intimidation have escalated. Amnesty International has vowed to hold Senator Francis Fadahunsi accountable for alleged inflammatory remarks that could incite violence. Fadahunsi, a member of the APC, faced scrutiny after a video circulated online appeared to depict him encouraging supporters to attack members of the Accord Party. The Osun State Police Command summoned Fadahunsi for questioning, and Amnesty International has pledged to use the case as a precedent to deter such rhetoric. The APC, meanwhile, has intensified its campaign efforts, with key political figures such as Godswill Akpabio, Hope Uzodimma, and Monday Okpebholo arriving in Osogbo for a major rally. The rally, scheduled for Thursday, aims to bolster support for Bola Oyebamiji, the APC's governorship candidate. Oyebamiji, a former Osun Commissioner for Finance and current Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, has focused his campaign on issues such as poverty reduction, infrastructure development, and improving public services. The election also sees the endorsement of incumbent Governor Adeleke by former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant Adebayo Adedamola, known as Fryo. Adedamola, who ran for the PDP nomination but was not included in the final list of candidates, has publicly endorsed Adeleke, calling for a peaceful election and urging political leaders to prioritize the state's interests over personal ambitions. As the election approaches, security agencies have reiterated warnings against violence, with the Nigerian Bar Association noting that approximately 73 election-related incidents have been reported since May. These incidents, concentrated primarily in Osogbo and Ilesa, have raised alarms about the potential for organized violence. Security forces have been deployed to ensure the safety of voters and electoral officials, with calls for impartiality and strict enforcement of the law. The upcoming governorship election in Osun State promises to be a pivotal moment in the region’s political landscape, with multiple candidates vying for the chance to shape the state’s future. As the campaign intensifies, the focus remains on ensuring a fair, transparent, and peaceful electoral process that reflects the will of the people.