photo:Adegboyega Oyetola
By Bayo Obalende
As the 2026 governorship election in Osun State draws near, political permutations have been ongoing regarding the election’s outcome, particularly within the All Progressives Congress (APC), given the disarray the party is currently experiencing in the state.
Political watchers contend that internal divisions and discordant tunes from APC members have created uncertainty about the best candidate to pick the governorship flag.
There are several aspirants already indicating interest.
The list of several hopefuls interested in the race is massive. They include among others:: Bola Oyebamiji, Peter Babalola, Benedict Adegboyega, Dotun Babayemi, Adejare Bello, Christopher Babajide Omoworare, senator Ajibola Basiru SRJ, Benedict Alabi, BOA, and Ogunbiyi. The Omisore’s are still in the picture.
The challenge is not the number of aspirants wanting to run for the top office but their capacity and chances of unseating Adeleke, the incumbent Governor, who has shown no signs of slowing down.
Adeleke has warmed himself into the hearts of the Osun people with some undeniable proof of good projects from his government.
It is obvious that the Osun APC Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, has been doing his best for the party, but there are adversaries, contending, knotty issues personal interests and all that.
An investigation revealed that some prominent stakeholders from various political platforms in Osun State converged on a singular opinion that: former Governor Oyetola is the only viable candidate capable of wresting the state from the incumbent Governor Adeleke-led administration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
These stakeholders attribute their confidence in Oyetola to his proven track record of impactful governance, leadership acumen, and unwavering commitment to the development of Osun State.
While the 2026 governorship election is still on the horizon, the emerging consensus around Oyetola’s candidacy underscores the widespread desire for a return to the progressive agenda and governance style that defined his tenure as governor.
Oyetola’s supporters believe that his experience, coupled with his understanding of the state’s needs, positions him uniquely to reclaim the governorship and steer Osun State toward renewed growth and prosperity.
However, despite all expectations, Oyetola has not given his consent to run.
He has remained undecided.
Hon. Rotimi Makinde, a former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Ife Federal Constituency in Osun State, said APC can defeat Adeleke in 2026 because the governor cannot match what any of the past APC Governors did in the state in terms of performance.
However, Makinde raised concerns about the need for unity and reconciliation as a key factor if the APC must send Adeleke packing .
Makinde, who was the Deputy Chairman, Human Rights Committee in the 7th Assembly said “If Governor Adeleke were a realist, he should be writing his handover notes. If we choose the right candidate, PDP will be history,”.
Makinde told our reporter that Oyetola, the leader of the party remains their best political arsenal in the battle to defeat Adeleke.
Said Makinde “For me, our former governor who is now a minister, Chief Oyetola, remains our best bet if he chooses or is convinced to run. He is a competent leader, he has the credibility, and everything that is needed to win the 2026 election.
“There was no justifiable reason for the loss in 2022 because Oyetola as a governor performed admirably, but unfortunately, we placed our hopes in corrupt, self-serving individuals with inflated egos who surrounded the governor.
“‘It’s clear now that the Federal Government’s stance at the time was not favorable to us. Security forces looked the other way, especially in Ede, where voting went late into the night. With Oyetola in the race in 2026, the difference will be clear.
“We must avoid past mistakes for us to be victorious. We were better in governance, but Adeleke’s administration uses nepotism as state policy which is not good for us and I know the people will reject him in next election if we get it right with the candidate we field.
“We must forgive, reconcile, and bring everyone onboard to defeat our true opponent. Leaders must be respected, and this idea that a few people alone can win elections must be discarded.
A political analyst, Dr. Ossai Ossai, said Oyetola’s achievements in Osun State are numerous and impactful, which still stands him out as the best for the APC in the state.
Some of the notable accomplishments of Oyetola, according to Dr. Ossai, include: Healthcare Development, such as revitalizing over 300 primary health centers out of 332 in the state.
“Constructing a 120-bed ward and doctors’ quarters at the Specialist Hospital in Asubiaro
“Implementing a health insurance scheme to provide quality and affordable healthcare to the people.
“Infrastructure Development, including rehabilitating road networks across the nine federal constituencies in the state.
“Completing the N2.1 billion Olaiya Flyover to reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainable industrialization.
“Economic Growth through attracting investors to the state through the Economic Summit, with one investor committing N100 million to the mining sector.
“Creating the Osun Investment and Promotion Agency to facilitate business establishment and minimize bureaucracy.
“Social Intervention by empowering youths through various schemes and programmes
“Implementing social intervention programs for vulnerable groups and ensuring prompt payment of salaries and pensions.
“Providing necessary assets to security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.”
Dr. Ossai said Oyetola’s administration showed significant progress, and that another term would allow him to build on the accomplishments and further consolidate his achievements.
Also a top politician from the state, Osun East to be precise, who does not want his name mentioned said Oyetola commands Popular Support
He said immediately Oyetola declares interest, the political ship of Osun PDP will lose focus, adding that It’s easy for Oyetola to win and serve
The politician made further revelation that it’s easy for Oyetola to win and serve out the 4 years of his zone (Osun Central) because the Osun East zone can tolerate another 4 year term of Oyetola.
He said that Osun East can also tolerate another 4 year term of Adeleke but that any other new candidate is likely to take 8 years and Osun East will not tolerate such development.
The argument is that Oyetola is from Boripe, Osun Central, white Adeleke is from Ede, Osun West. If any of them wins the 2026 election, the person will serve only 4 years unlike a new candidate who will take another 8 years.
The people of Osun East will not want to support any new candidate, unless from their zone.
