Governor Ademola Adeleke has won re-election in the 2026 Osun State governorship election, defeating All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji by a margin of 66,252 votes. Official results from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) showed Adeleke polled 511,067 votes against Oyebamiji's 444,815. The governor triumphed in 19 of the state's 30 local government areas, securing a second term in office.
Historic Victory and Record APC Votes
Adeleke's victory makes him only the second governor in Osun State's history to win re-election, following former governor Rauf Aregbesola. This was Adeleke's third attempt at the governorship; he narrowly lost the controversial 2018 election to Gboyega Oyetola after a supplementary poll, then defeated Oyetola in 2022. Now, he has successfully defended his seat.
Despite the loss, Oyebamiji set a new record for the highest vote total ever achieved by an APC governorship candidate in Osun State. He secured victories in 11 local government areas, including strong performances in Irewole, Olorunda, and Ilesa East. However, Adeleke's dominance in key areas proved decisive.
Key Vote Centres and Strongholds
Adeleke's strongest performances came from his political base and major voting centres. In Osogbo, he polled 36,480 votes; in Ede North, 35,427 votes; and in Ede South, 26,188 votes. He also secured victories in competitive areas like Iwo and even defeated the APC in the polling unit of former Deputy Governor, Senator Iyiola Omisore.
Oyebamiji posted impressive numbers in places like Irewole, Olorunda, and Ilesa East but could not close the overall gap. The results underscore the regional and demographic divides that shaped the election.
Why Voters Backed Adeleke Again
Political observers attribute Adeleke's victory to several factors. A major factor was the internal crisis within the APC. Different factions reportedly worked separately throughout the campaign, with party leaders and support groups operating from different camps instead of presenting a united front. This division likely weakened the APC's ability to mount a cohesive challenge.
Another issue many residents mentioned was Adeleke's record in office, particularly the regular payment of workers' salaries—something previous administrations had struggled with at different times. The election also recorded one of the highest voter turnouts seen in recent Nigerian elections, with more than half of registered voters who collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) participating. Many praised INEC for uploading results promptly and security agencies for ensuring the election remained largely peaceful.
Celebrations and Reactions
Minutes after INEC declared the result, celebrations broke out across Ede North and Ede South, Adeleke's hometown. Residents flooded the streets dancing, singing, and celebrating what many described as a peaceful and credible election.
Speaking after his victory, Adeleke appealed to his opponents to accept the outcome peacefully. He said, "This administration remains committed to building an industrialised Osun State where development reaches every part of the state." He added, "I feel great. First of all, I thank God Almighty for what has happened. It's a victory for democracy in Nigeria and a victory for the people of Osun State that stood by me."
Adeleke also praised President Bola Tinubu for supporting a peaceful election. "I want to seize this opportunity to thank Mr. President. Mr. President has called me and he has congratulated me. Thank you, Mr. President, for making sure democracy lives on, because you fought for it."
Adeleke on Supporting Tinubu
During an interview on Channels Television after the election, Adeleke dismissed suggestions that his support for President Tinubu's second-term ambition was based on a political agreement. He said, "No, I did not reach an agreement with Mr President. My support is just based on Mr President being a Yoruba man and his projects." He added that he hopes Tinubu will continue extending federal infrastructure projects to Osun State.
APC Considers Legal Options
Despite the defeat, the APC says the election process isn't over. In a statement, the party said it is reviewing results from all 332 wards and consulting its legal team before deciding its next move. According to the party, the Electoral Act allows aggrieved candidates to challenge election outcomes through the tribunal and higher courts if necessary.
Davido's Role and Civil Servants' Celebration
Away from politics, Afrobeats superstar Davido also emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the election. The singer played an active role in his uncle's campaign as Chairman of the Imole Youth Mobilisation Campaign Council, using his influence to mobilise young voters and repeatedly call for transparency throughout the election.
Civil servants also celebrated the governor's return, saying his administration's attention to workers' welfare, infrastructure, education, and healthcare earned him another term from voters. For many Osun residents, the result appeared to send one simple message: if the government is working, changing it becomes a much harder sell.
