Adeleke Retains Deputy as INEC Publishes Osun Governorship Candidates’ List

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of governorship candidates and their running mates for the August 8, 2026, election in Osun State.

The publication confirmed that Governor Ademola Adeleke will retain his current deputy as his running mate for the upcoming poll.

According to the INEC release on Monday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, has selected former legislator Tunde Olatunji, who represented Ife North State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, as his running mate.

The Action Democratic Party (ADP) flagbearer, Adeagbo Yemisi, is the only female governorship candidate in the race. Other parties have also fielded women as running mates: Boot Party (BP)’s Adesoji Masilo picked Aresa Adenike, while NNPP’s Adeleke Adewale selected Adeyera Adesola.

The African Action Congress (AAC) named Esan Abeeb as its candidate with Bello Muideen as running mate, while Action Alliance (AA)’s Olanrewaju Farinloye is paired with Fadahunsi Olaniyi.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) will field Najeem Salaam, with Popoola Tajudeen as deputy, and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM)’s Adewale Adebayo is contesting alongside Jimoh Naheem.

INEC noted that 14 political parties complied with submission requirements within the stipulated timeframe. These include Accord (A), AA, AAC, ADC, ADP, APGA, APC, APM, Action Peoples Party (APP), BP, NNPP, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

In a statement signed by the Osun INEC Public Affairs Officer, Musa Olurode, the commission confirmed the publication of candidates’ personal particulars in line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022.