Who Won and Lost in the Osun Governorship Election

The Osun governorship election held on August 15, 2026, has come to an end.

After many campaigns and political activities across the 30 Local Government Areas in Osun, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on Sunday that Governor Ademola Adeleke has been re-elected for another term.

Adeleke, running on the Accord Party ticket, garnered 511,067 votes to beat his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who received 444,815 votes.

The INEC announcement marked the end of this controversial election, which saw allegations, violence, and unrest before the voting day.

Winners

Ademola Adeleke

Adeleke, the current governor and Accord Party candidate, has secured a second term, despite facing the APC, which is in power at the federal level.

He was first elected in 2022 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but switched to the Accord Party after plans to join the APC fell through.

His campaign focused on continuing infrastructure projects, education reforms, and engaging with the grassroots.

Strong support from his home base in Ede and other local government areas helped him win by a margin of 66,252 votes.

Accord Party

This marks the first time the Accord Party has won a governorship election in Osun State.

The party provided support for Adeleke’s re-election after he left the PDP, mobilizing members statewide and attracting some defectors.

This victory boosts the party’s presence in Osun politics.

Davido (David Adeleke)

The famous Afrobeats artist, who is also the governor's nephew, played a key role in mobilizing support for Adeleke’s campaign.

He reportedly paused some music activities to lead youth engagement for the Imole campaign, attended rallies, and used social media to encourage people to vote.

He celebrated the win publicly on Sunday.

Osun voters

More than one million voters were accredited for the election, as reported by INEC.

Their votes determined the election results across the 30 local government areas, allowing Adeleke to secure another term.

Ataoja of Osogbo

The traditional ruler of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Laaroye, openly supported Adeleke, citing the governor’s development projects in the town, including the Lameco flyover.

At a commissioning event, he said if he were a politician, he would have urged all Osogbo people to vote for Adeleke.

He also faced threats related to his support for the governor.

Timi of Ede (Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal)

The traditional ruler of Ede, Adeleke’s hometown, consistently supported the governor.

He urged Ede residents to vote massively to counter any losses in other areas and expressed confidence in Adeleke.

The monarch had even left the palace on the day APC candidate Oyebamiji was supposed to visit, maintaining ties with the Adeleke family.

Losers

Bola Oyebamiji

The APC candidate and former Osun Commissioner for Finance won 11 local government areas and secured 444,815 votes but lost the overall election.

His campaign focused on his experience in financial management and a call for a “new direction.”

APC

The APC, the main opposition party in the state, fielded Oyebamiji and came in second place, performing well in its strongholds.

Despite support from federal and state figures, the party could not unseat the incumbent.

Rauf Aregbesola

The former Osun governor (2010, 2018) and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress backed the ADC candidate, Najeem Salaam.

His influence was tested, but the party finished third, and he lost in his polling unit.

Olagunsoye Oyinlola

The former Osun governor (2003, 2010) and PDP member shifted his support to the APC candidate and endorsed Oyebamiji, citing the need for a change.

His polling unit, however, was won by the Accord Party.

Iyiola Omisore

The former deputy governor, senator, and APC National Secretary was sidelined during the APC primaries but later aligned with Oyebamiji.

Some of his former supporters had already moved towards Adeleke.

His polling unit also went to Accord.

Adegboyega Oyetola

The former Osun governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy actively campaigned for Oyebamiji.

He voted in Iragbiji and praised the voter turnout.

Ero Arike (Alhaja Falilat Yusuf)

The well-known APC grassroots mobiliser and businesswoman campaigned for Oyebamiji, distributing rice and urging voters to support the APC.

Reports indicated that her polling unit went heavily to Accord, although some reports suggest otherwise.

Monday Okpebholo

The Edo State governor chaired the APC primary committee that selected Oyebamiji.

He later visited Osun to rally support for Oyebamiji.

Hope Uzodimma

The Imo State governor joined other APC governors to campaign for Oyebamiji and predicted Adeleke's defeat.

He also had some exchanges with Davido regarding the election.

Francis Fadahunsi

The senator representing Osun East was a strong APC supporter who campaigned for Oyebamiji.

He made controversial comments urging supporters to “kill Accord,” which led to police action and criticism just before the election.

On election day, he also called on his followers to monitor voters and “deal with” those who did not support them.

This election showed how strong incumbency, traditional leaders, celebrity influence, and grassroots dynamics affect politics in Osun.

Adeleke’s return for a second term means continued governance under the Accord Party, while the opposition reflects on their defeat.