Osun State politics has taken another dramatic turn ahead of the 2026 governorship election, following the decision of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
The endorsement, announced in Osogbo on Sunday, has introduced a significant new dimension to the Osun 2026 governorship election, coming just days before voters are scheduled to head to the polls.
Oyinlola said the decision followed concerns over what his group described as a lack of inclusiveness in the administration of incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.
However, the former governor stressed that the group had not formally defected from the PDP, despite deciding to support the APC candidate in the governorship election.
Oyinlola Explains Why the Group Backed Oyebamiji
Speaking during the endorsement event, Oyinlola explained that his group had previously invested significant political energy and resources in the project that brought the current administration to power.
According to him, the group eventually became dissatisfied with the way government affairs were being handled, particularly what he described as inadequate inclusion of political stakeholders.
Oyinlola said the decision to support Oyebamiji was therefore based on conviction and what the group considers to be the best interest of Osun State.
The former governor also urged the APC candidate to place citizens at the centre of governance if elected.
Group Demands Inclusive Governance
One of the major issues raised by the Oyinlola-led faction was the need for an inclusive administration.
The group called on Oyebamiji to prioritise good governance, economic development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and youth empowerment.
Oyinlola also urged the APC candidate to ensure that communities across Osun State feel adequately represented in government.
The emphasis on inclusiveness is likely to become an important issue in the final days of the Osun governorship election 2026, as candidates seek to convince voters that their administrations would be representative and responsive.
Oyinlola Says PDP Membership Remains Intact
Despite the decision to support an APC candidate, Oyinlola made it clear that members of his group had not abandoned the PDP.
The clarification makes the development different from a conventional political defection. Rather than formally joining the APC, the faction has chosen to back Oyebamiji in the governorship contest.
The development demonstrates the fluid nature of Nigerian politics, particularly during election periods when political alliances can shift around candidates, policies and perceived interests.
Akinbade and Oladipo Join Oyebamiji’s Supporters
Former Osun State Secretary to the Government, Fatai Akinbade, and former PDP National Vice Chairman, South-West, Tajudeen Oladipo, were also part of the political leaders backing the decision.
They called on PDP members in Osun State to support Oyebamiji, arguing that their decision was motivated by what they considered to be the broader interest of the state.
The involvement of prominent political figures could give the Oyebamiji campaign additional visibility as political parties intensify their grassroots mobilisation across Osun State.
Oyebamiji Welcomes Endorsement
Receiving the endorsement, APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji expressed appreciation to the Oyinlola-led group for its support.
Oyebamiji also pledged to operate an inclusive administration if elected, responding directly to one of the principal demands made by the group.
The APC candidate has continued to campaign across the state as he seeks to consolidate support ahead of the governorship poll.
With the election approaching, the endorsement provides his campaign with another political talking point and potentially strengthens the narrative that his candidacy is attracting support beyond the traditional APC base.
Political Implications for Adeleke
The development could present another challenge for Governor Ademola Adeleke and the PDP as the election enters its final stage.
While political endorsements do not automatically translate into votes, the backing of influential political figures can affect campaign momentum, grassroots mobilisation and public perception.
For Adeleke's camp, the immediate task will be to retain its existing support base while responding to criticisms from former allies and other political stakeholders.
The governor's supporters are expected to continue emphasising the achievements of the administration and urging voters to renew their mandate.
Osun 2026 Election Enters Critical Stage
The latest development further highlights the intensity surrounding the Osun 2026 election.
With political parties and candidates intensifying their campaigns, the final days of the election are expected to feature increased grassroots mobilisation, political endorsements and appeals to undecided voters.
The contest is also attracting national attention because of the wider political implications of the outcome for the opposition PDP and ruling APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Osun's political landscape has historically been competitive, making every major alliance and endorsement potentially significant.
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What to Expect Before the Poll
As the election draws closer, attention will increasingly focus on whether the latest political realignment can translate into actual votes.
The Oyinlola-led faction's decision to support Oyebamiji could influence conversations within the PDP and among voters who have followed the former governor's political activities over the years.
At the same time, Adeleke's campaign will be seeking to demonstrate that the incumbent administration retains sufficient grassroots support to secure victory.
Ultimately, the electorate will determine the outcome at the ballot box.
Conclusion
The decision by the Oyinlola-led PDP faction to support APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji has added another layer of complexity to the Osun 2026 governorship election.
Although the faction insists that it remains within the PDP, its endorsement of an APC candidate represents a notable political development just days before the election.
For Oyebamiji, the challenge will be to convert the endorsement and other campaign support into broad-based electoral backing. For Adeleke and the PDP, the focus will be on consolidating their support and convincing voters to maintain the current administration.
Beyond political alliances, however, the issues that ultimately matter to Osun residents include effective governance, infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic opportunities, agriculture and youth empowerment.
Premium News Naija will continue to bring readers the latest updates and developments from the Osun 2026 governorship election and Nigerian politics.
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