The race for the Osun State governorship is entering its final stretch, with 14 candidates seeking the mandate to lead the State of the Living Spring in the August 15 election.
Although the contest features a crowded field, three candidates have emerged as the leading contenders based on their political profiles and campaign presence: incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress and Najeem Salam of the African Democratic Congress.
The three candidates have taken their campaigns across the state’s 30 local government areas as they seek to win voters ahead of the poll.
Adeleke Seeks Second Term
Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election after winning the 2022 governorship election against then-incumbent governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
The Ede indigene first contested for governor in 2018 under the Peoples Democratic Party but lost to Oyetola.
Before becoming governor, Adeleke represented Osun West Senatorial District in the Senate after winning the seat in 2017.
Popularly known as “Imole”, Adeleke is campaigning on his administration’s record in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and other sectors.
Oyebamiji Banks On Experience
The APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, is an experienced banker and financial expert who previously served as Osun State Commissioner for Finance.
He served under former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola between 2017 and 2022.
Oyebamiji, popularly known as “AMBO”, later became Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority before resigning in November 2025 to contest the governorship.
He is from Ikire in Irewole Local Government Area.
Salam Makes Another Attempt
Najeem Salam, the ADC candidate, is a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and a political science scholar.
The Ejigbo indigene was first elected to the state legislature in 2007. Although the Court of Appeal nullified his election in 2009, he returned in 2011 and won another term.
Salam became Speaker in June 2011 and remained in the Assembly until 2019.
He is now seeking to move from the legislature to the Osun Government House.
11 Other Candidates
The remaining candidates are Olanrewaju Farinloye of the Action Alliance; Olajide Esan of the African Action Congress; Adeagbo Opawoye of the African Democratic Party; Adesina Adeyemi-Doro of the All Progressives Grand Alliance; Adewale Adebayo of the Allied Peoples Movement; Clement Adesuyi of the Action Peoples Party; Masilo Adeleke of the Boot Party; Taofeek Adeleke of the New Nigeria Peoples Party; Saliu Oyelami of the Peoples Redemption Party; Olalekan Ogunsakin of the Young Progressives Party; and Adefemi Adesuyi of the Zenith Labour Party.
Yemisi Adeagbo of the African Democratic Party is the only female candidate. The 84-year-old retired school principal is also the oldest candidate in the race.
With August 15 fast approaching, the campaigns will soon give way to voting as Osun residents decide who will govern the state for the next four years.