The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the 2026 Osun State governorship election, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party notably absent from the list.
According to the commission, a total of 14 political parties successfully submitted candidates for the election scheduled for August 15, 2026.
Among the listed candidates, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship flagbearer, Bola Oyebamiji, selected the party’s 2023 House of Representatives candidate for Ife Federal Constituency, Benjamin Adereti, as his running mate.
Adereti had contested the 2023 National Assembly election but lost to Bimbo Ajilesoro of the PDP.
Also on the list is former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who picked Yemisi Agiri as his deputy. Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is also in the race under the Accord platform, retaining Kola Adewusi as his running mate.
Other candidates include the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate Adeleke Adewale Taofeek, who selected Adeyera Oluwabusola Adesola as deputy, the Zenith Labour Party’s Adesuyi Olufemi with Abdulsalam Olamide, and the African Action Congress’ Esan Olamide, paired with Bello Muideen Yekeen.
INEC confirmed the development in a letter dated March 4, 2026, and signed by its Secretary, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony. The commission stated that the publication of the final list marks a key step toward preparations for the governorship poll slated for August 15, 2026.
