Supporters of the Accord Party in Osun state erupted in jubilation on Saturday afternoon, August 15, 2026, after results from a polling unit in Ede North Local Government Area showed Governor Ademola Adeleke leading his rivals in the ongoing governorship election.
The figures from the unit gave Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, more votes than Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), considered the incumbent governor's main rival. Scenes of cheering and celebration followed as word of the result spread among those gathered at the polling unit.
Governor Adeleke Seeks Second Term in Tight Race
Adeleke is seeking a second term as Osun governor in what has shaped up to be a tightly contested race. His main challengers include Oyebamiji of the APC and candidates from other parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which is also making a push to unseat the incumbent.
The election has drawn considerable attention, given the political weight attached to the outcome. Both the APC and the ADC are mounting challenges against Governor Adeleke, making the contest one of the most closely watched governorship elections in the state in recent memory.
INEC Officials Oversee Voting Across Osun State
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) opened polls across the state on Saturday morning, August 15, with officials on the ground to manage the exercise. Across Osun state's polling units, votes are being sorted, counted and uploaded to INEC's system as results come in progressively throughout the day.
Results from other parts of the state are still being collated, and the final picture of the election outcome remains unclear as the electoral process continues.
Youth Party Senatorial Candidate Urges Peaceful Conduct
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Ibrahim Adefila, the senatorial candidate of the Youth Party for Osun Central in the 2027 elections, sent a key message to political stakeholders ahead of the 2026 Osun state governorship election. In a statement made exclusively available to Legit.ng, Adefila issued a direct appeal to voters, security forces, and rival campaigns to ensure the exercise passes without bloodshed.
Adefila stated that his interest in this weekend's contest is purely civic. With no candidate on the ballot for his party, he framed his intervention as the concern of an ordinary citizen rather than a partisan actor concerned about the election and future polls in the state.
The outcome of the election remains uncertain as collation continues, with observers watching closely to see whether Adeleke's lead in Ede North will translate into a broader victory across the state.
