Adeleke Wins Osun Governorship Election, Seeks Unity

The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Ademola Adeleke the winner of the Osun State governorship election on Sunday, August 15, 2026. Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, garnered 511,067 votes, surpassing his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who polled 444,815 votes.

Adeleke was declared the winner at about 7:24 am on Sunday by the State Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti. The election was keenly contested, with 15 candidates vying for the top seat. Adeleke emerged victorious in 19 of the state's 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11.

The African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salam, came third with 17,180 votes. Adeleke's victory marks his second term in office, having been elected governor in 2022 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party before moving to the Accord Party for the 2026 election.

In a video posted by News Central shortly after the election, Adeleke thanked President Bola Tinubu for his role in the election, saying he expects his closest challenger, Oyebamiji, to call and congratulate him. Adeleke also attributed his confidence in the election outcome to his faith. 'I have a God who never fails,' he said.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has been declared the winner of the August 15 governorship election, securing a second term in office. He has appealed for unity among the people of Osun, with his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, yet to congratulate him.

Adeleke's appeal for unity comes as the state gears up for a new administration. He has promised to work with all the candidates, including his closest challenger, Oyebamiji. 'I want them to come over. I am expecting Oyebamiji to even, as a civilised person, to call me and congratulate me,' Adeleke said.

The Accord Party candidate has thanked President Bola Tinubu for his role in the election. 'And of course, I want to seize this opportunity to thank Mr. President. Mr. President has called me and he has congratulated me. And I thank you, Mr. President, for making sure democracy lives on, because you fought for it, Mr. President,' Adeleke said.

Adeleke's victory has been welcomed by members of the Accord Party and his supporters, who have taken to social media to congratulate him. However, Oyebamiji has yet to congratulate Adeleke, sparking concerns about the possibility of a disputed election.