Osun State Governorship Election: INEC Publishes Candidate List, Key Parties Absent
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has officially released the names and detailed particulars of candidates and their running mates who will be contesting in the upcoming governorship election scheduled for August 8, 2026. This crucial announcement follows a rigorous vetting process by the electoral body.
While a significant number of political entities have successfully navigated the submission requirements, a notable omission from the published list has sparked considerable discussion. Five prominent political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, Social Democratic Party (SDP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), and the Youth Party, were not included in the initial gazette of eligible contenders.
A formal statement, authenticated by Musa Olurode, the Osun INEC Public Affairs Officer, and disseminated from Osogbo on Sunday, confirmed that fourteen political parties have met the stipulated criteria within the designated timeframe.
The parties that have successfully submitted their candidate and running mate particulars, as verified by the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, are:
- Accord (A)
- Action Alliance (AA)
- African Action Congress (AAC)
- African Democratic Congress (ADC)
- Action Democratic Party (ADP)
- All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
- All Progressives Congress (APC)
- Allied Peoples Movement (APM)
- Action Peoples Party (APP)
- Boot Party (BP)
- New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)
- Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)
- Young Progressive Party (YPP)
- Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
This publication is in strict adherence to Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and aligns with item 4 of the official Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Osun State Governorship Election. The commission has made the personal particulars of each candidate, documented in Form EC9, along with all accompanying academic credentials and supporting documents, available for public scrutiny.
Public Inspection and Electoral Integrity
Copies of each candidate’s Form EC9, inclusive of all submitted academic credentials and other relevant documentation, are slated for display on Monday, February 16, 2026. These documents will be accessible at the INEC state office, as well as in all thirty Local Government Area Offices and the Area Office of the commission within Osun State.
INEC has extended a clear invitation to all political parties, their respective candidates, and the general public to thoroughly inspect these published documents. This measure is designed to uphold transparency and allow for any necessary observations or challenges to be raised in accordance with legal provisions.
The commission has unequivocally stated that only the aforementioned fourteen political parties, having fulfilled all constitutional and regulatory prerequisites within the stipulated period, will be permitted to participate in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, has underscored the importance of continued collaboration, urging political parties and the public to maintain their support for the commission as it undertakes its constitutional mandate.
The August 8th Showdown and PDP’s Predicament
The governorship election is confirmed for August 8, 2026. The incumbent Governor, Ademola Adeleke of the Accord party, is expected to face a strong challenge from contenders such as Bola Oyebamiji of the APC, Dr. Najeem Salaam of the ADC, and eleven other candidates.
The conspicuous absence of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the list of eligible participants is widely attributed to an ongoing leadership crisis within the party. This internal conflict has had significant ramifications for their electoral preparations.
Two distinct factions within the PDP have emerged, each claiming legitimacy. One faction, led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and reportedly supported by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, conducted a primary election on December 3, 2025, which resulted in Adedamola Adebayo being declared its candidate.
In contrast, a caretaker committee, purportedly backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been recognized by INEC. However, this caretaker committee reportedly did not conduct any primary election for the governorship race.
The legal ramifications of this leadership dispute are currently being adjudicated. Cases concerning the party’s authentic leadership are pending before the Court of Appeal, which has adjourned proceedings to a later date for the delivery of its judgment. The outcome of these legal battles will be pivotal in determining the PDP’s potential involvement in future electoral processes.
