Why Adeleke Defeated APC Again in Osun
The All Progressives Congress, APC, has lost the Osun State governorship election for the second time in four years, as Governor Ademola Adeleke secured another four-year term.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Adeleke of the Accord Party winner with 511,067 votes, defeating APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes. ADC candidate Najeem Salaam polled 17,180 votes. Adeleke won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11.
The victory makes Adeleke only the second governor in Osun to win re-election, after former Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Several factors contributed to the outcome, including divisions within the APC, Adeleke’s record on workers’ welfare, support from youths and influential figures, and strong performances in key areas.
The result also continued Adeleke’s rivalry with former Governor Gboyega Oyetola. Oyetola narrowly defeated Adeleke in 2018 by 482 votes, before Adeleke defeated him in 2022. Ahead of this election, Oyetola and some allies backed Oyebamiji.
APC’s internal disagreements reportedly weakened its campaign, with groups linked to National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, the Ileri-Oluwa group and state chairman Tajudeen Lawal operating separate structures.
Adeleke recorded strong results in Osogbo, Ede North and Ede South, polling 36,480, 35,427 and 26,188 votes respectively. He also won Iwo and at the polling unit of former Deputy Governor Iyiola Omisore. Oyebamiji performed strongly in Irewole, Olorunda and Ilesa East and won at the polling unit of APC founding interim National Chairman Bisi Akande.
Popular musician Davido helped mobilise youth support for Adeleke, while civil servants cited regular salaries and improved welfare under his administration.
Adeleke described the result as a victory for democracy and thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting a peaceful election. He promised to transform Osun from a civil service-dependent state into an industrial hub and said he supports Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
The APC said it would study results from all 332 wards and consult its lawyers on possible legal action, while urging supporters to remain calm.
President Tinubu congratulated Adeleke, saying the result reflected voters’ confidence in him. Peter Obi and Donald Duke also congratulated the governor, with Duke describing the election as an important test ahead of 2027.
Adeleke must now consolidate his achievements and deliver on his second-term promises.
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