Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2026 Osun State governorship election, has confidently declared his impending victory, asserting he will unseat the incumbent, Governor Ademola Adeleke. His pronouncement sets an early and assertive tone for what is anticipated to be a fiercely contested election slated for August 8, 2026. This bold declaration positions Oyebamiji as a formidable challenger eager to reclaim the state for the APC.
Oyebamiji made his pronouncement during the annual prayer organised by the Ansarud-deen Society of Nigeria, Ikire Branch, held in his hometown of Ikire. The event, a significant gathering of community and religious leaders, provided a platform for the candidate to articulate his vision and rally support, emphasising the crucial role of divine intervention and community prayers in his political aspirations. This strategic timing underscored the spiritual dimension often interwoven with political campaigns in Nigeria.
Addressing attendees, Oyebamiji expressed profound gratitude for the prayer gathering, which he noted was particularly symbolic given the proximity of the upcoming gubernatorial election. He stated unequivocally, “I have said this several times that Bola Oyebamiji doesn’t have competitor. I am going to win that governorship election come 2026. We believe strongly that by the special grace of God.” This confident dismissal of rivals signals a strong belief in his own political capital and grassroots support.
The 2026 gubernatorial race in Osun State is poised to be a high-stakes affair, with Oyebamiji facing off against Governor Ademola Adeleke, who seeks re-election under the banner of the Accord Party. Adeleke, who previously defeated Oyebamiji’s party in the 2022 election, brings the advantage of incumbency and a significant political following. Another prominent contender, Dr. Najeem Salaam of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), also adds a multi-faceted dimension to the electoral contest, suggesting a battle for votes across various political divides.
Osun State, known for its vibrant political landscape and closely fought elections, has a history of shifting allegiances and unexpected outcomes. Recent governorship contests have often been decided by slim margins, reflecting the competitive nature of its politics. The APC, having previously governed the state, views the 2026 election as an opportunity to regain control, while the Accord Party aims to consolidate its hold and continue its governance agenda.
The endorsement from the Ansarud-deen Society, a respected religious body, carries considerable weight within the local community. Alhaji Badmus Adekunle, the Chief Imam of Ansarud-deen, Ikire Branch, publicly highlighted Oyebamiji’s leadership qualities, assuring continued prayers for his success. He further noted that the APC leadership’s endorsement of Oyebamiji’s candidature served as a testament to his broad acceptance among key stakeholders, both political and communal.
Dr. Sekinah Bola-Oyebamiji, the candidate’s wife, also addressed the assembly, which included clerics, society members, and APC faithful from across the state. She highlighted the programme’s decade-long history, noting a significant increase in attendance this year, with over 6,000 people catered for compared to 3,000 last year. This growth, she suggested, reflects burgeoning support and enthusiasm for her husband’s political aspirations.
Dr. Bola-Oyebamiji further articulated the humanitarian aspect of their campaign, stating, “We want to be able to do this across the state, we want to be able to take care of our people, our women and children, this can only be done if AMBO is on the seat as the Governor of the state.” The acronym “AMBO” refers to Bola Oyebamiji, underscoring a campaign strategy that intertwines political ambition with promises of social welfare and community development, aiming to resonate deeply with the electorate.
While such early declarations of victory are common in Nigerian politics, they often serve to galvanize a candidate’s base and project an image of strength and inevitability. However, the path to the governorship is fraught with challenges, requiring extensive grassroots mobilization, strategic campaigning, and substantial financial resources. The incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, will undoubtedly leverage his current position and achievements to counter these early assertions.
The 2026 election is anticipated to be a referendum on the performance of the current administration and a test of the APC’s renewed strategy in Osun State. Key issues expected to dominate public discourse will likely include economic development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security. Voters will scrutinize each candidate’s blueprint for addressing these critical areas, making informed choices that will shape the state’s future trajectory.
As the political landscape in Osun State begins to take shape, Oyebamiji’s confident declaration marks an official kick-off to the pre-election rhetoric. The coming months will witness intensified political activities, alliances, and debates, as parties and candidates strive to win the hearts and minds of the electorate. Despite the early bravado, the election remains over two years away, promising a dynamic and unpredictable journey to August 2026.
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