Ademola Adeleke Defeats APC's Bola Oyebamiji to Win Second Term in Osun

Ademola Jackson Adeleke, a seasoned politician and former senator, has secured a second four-year term as the Governor of Osun State, winning the 2026 governorship election with 511,067 votes. This victory comes after a tightly contested race against Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 444,815 votes. For Adeleke, this win marks a significant milestone in his political career, having first won the Osun governorship in 2022 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and now securing a second term on the platform of the Accord Party.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally announced Adeleke's victory at the collation centre in Osogbo on Sunday, 16 August 2026. According to INEC's collated results, Adeleke won by topping the vote count across 19 of Osun's 30 local government areas, while his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji, carried 11 LGAs. The State Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, declared the result at about 7:24 am on Sunday. By 8:02 am, INEC had uploaded 3,695 of 3,763 polling unit results to the IReV portal, representing 98.19 per cent of the total. These numbers paint a clear picture of Adeleke's dominance in the election, highlighting his ability to connect with voters and secure their support.

Adeleke's decision to defect from the PDP to the Accord Party in December 2025 was driven by the latter's welfare-driven philosophy, which he believes aligns with his administration's focus on citizens' and workers' wellbeing. This switch marked a significant shift in his political strategy, one that appears to have paid off in the 2026 governorship election. By embracing the Accord Party's philosophy, Adeleke was able to tap into the party's values and appeal to voters who share his commitment to welfare and social justice. This move also highlights the growing importance of party philosophy in Nigerian politics, where voters are increasingly looking for leaders who share their values and are committed to delivering on their promises.

Adeleke's second term as Governor of Osun State has significant implications for the Accord Party, which has emerged as a major player in Nigerian politics. The party's welfare-driven philosophy has resonated with voters, particularly in the South-West region, where the party has made significant gains in recent elections. This trend is likely to continue, with the Accord Party potentially becoming in future elections. For Adeleke, this victory marks a significant milestone in his political career, one that sets him up for a potential run for higher office in the future.

In the coming weeks and months, we can expect to see Adeleke's administration continue to focus on delivering on its promises to voters, particularly in the areas of welfare and social justice. With a strong mandate from the people, Adeleke is well-positioned to implement his vision for Osun State and cement his legacy as a champion of the people. As the Accord Party looks to build on its success, we can expect to see a growing emphasis on welfare-driven policies and a commitment to delivering on the party's values.