On August 15, 2026, the people of Osun state will go to polls to elect their governor in the off cycle gubernatorial election.
WITHIN NIGERIA takes a look at the candidates contesting for the number one seat in the state.
Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke (Accord Party)
Ademola Adeleke was born on 13 May 1960. He was business tycoon before venturing into politics.
He is the serving governor of the state and currently seeking for a second tenure.
He was elected in 2022 under the platform of People’s Democratic Party, PDP after defeating incumbent governor, Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola of All Progressives Congress, APC of the who defeated him in the 2018 Osun state gubernatorial election rerun.
He served as the senator representing the Osun-West senatorial district from 2017 to 2019.
Olanrewaju Farinloye, Action Alliance (AA)
Olarewaju Farinloye was born in 1986. He is contesting on the platform of the Action Alliance, AA . His rumming mate is Fadahunsi Olaniyi.
Mr Farinloye’s mission is to build system that works across trade, security, identity and revenue.
According to him, he will lead an administration focused on technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, industrialisation, and infrastructure, driving sustainable prosperity in the state.
Esan Olajide, African Action Congress (AAC)
Esan Olajide was born in 1987. The 39-year-old entrepreneur, Esan emerged through a party consensus arrangement monitored by the INEC last year.
He has a degree in Geography and Resource Management from the University of Osun.
He is the founder and director of Jyde Autos and Logistics. During manifesto presentation, he pledged renewal, dignity and purposeful leadership.
Bola Oyebamiji(All Progressives Congress, APC)
Bola Oyebamiji was born in Irewole local government area in Ikire Osun State.
He was a banker and also served as the Managing Director/CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority.
Previously, he was the Commissioner for Finance in Osun State during the administrations of former Governors Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola.
Before his tenure as Commissioner, Oyebamiji was the Managing Director/CEO of Omoluabi Holdings Limited (formerly OSICOL).
In 2023, he served as Special Adviser to Gboyega Oyetola. He is the pioneer Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, before his appointment as CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority.
John Olufemi Adesuyi, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
John Olufemi has a manifesto anchored in the promise of accountability and prudent resource management. Olufemi has vowed to support small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs.
He also pledged to empower women and youths, and prioritise inclusive development across all local governments in the state.
Adesina Olusanya Adeyemi-Doro, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
Adesina Adeyemi was born in 1986. His full name is Adesina Olusanya Adeyemi-Duro. He is an entrepreneur and holds a master’s degree in Industrial and Labour Relations from the University of Lagos, UNILAG.
He has professional career spanning healthcare management, insurance, business development, and human capital administration.
In his manifesto, Mr Adeyemi-Duro vowed to build Osun through quality education, accessible healthcare, and a revitalised agricultural economy.
He is contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Najeem Salaam, African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Najeem Salaam wa born in 1965. Najeem Salaam holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science. He was a two-term speaker of the Osun House of Assembly between 2011 and 2018.
Mr Salaam unveiled his manifesto with a promise to deepen investment, especially in health, education and security.
Adeleke Masilo, Boot Party (BP)
Adeleke Masilo is a graduate of the University of Ilorin. After losing his senatorial bid in 2023 general elections, he now came back to contest the 2026 Osun Guber election. He pledged to institutionalise a government that prioritises the welfare of the people of Osun.
Clement Adesuyi Bamiji, Action Peoples Party (APP)
Clement Adesuyi Bamiji emerged as the governorship candidate of the Action Peoples Party (APP) in December 2025.
According to him, his manifesto is anchored on the promise of transforming the state through robust investment in youth empowerment, health, education and infrastructure.
Adewale Adebayo, Allied Peoples Movement (APM)
Adewale Adebayo is a real estate developer and CEO of Tri Edge Real Estate, Adewale Adebayo,. He studied the mechanics of public administration and economic policy.
He is contesting on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement, and had vowed to tackle corruption, create jobs, and provide the executive leadership required to transform the state.
Taofeek Adeleke, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)
Taofeek Adeleke emerged as the governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in December 2025.
He vowed to unseat the incumbent governor and place the state on the path of sustainable development.
Saliu Orisunlagba, People’s Redemption Party (PRP)
Saliu studied at the University of Ilorin, the International University of Africa in Khartoum, and later the International Institute of Journalism in Abuja.
He has worked as a health practitioner for over two decades and he is currently the chief medical director of Shifauk Hospital Group.
He contested in the 2018 and 2022 governorship elections under the Action Democratic Party and the NNPC, respectively.
Olalekan Ogunsakin, Young Progressives Party (YPP)
Just like the other candidates, Olalekan Ogunsakin is seeking to defeat the incumbent governor under the platform of YPP. He vowed to prioritise investment in education, health and infrastructure.
