With the 2026 governorship election fast approaching in Osun State, political permutations have intensified across party lines.
The major political actors in the state — the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) — are in varying stages of internal recalibration, even as third-force aspirants cautiously test the waters.
Despite the lack of official declarations by some, subtle alignments, public engagements, and coded media activities reveal that the political race has unofficially begun.
In total, nine individuals are currently being watched closely, each representing different political leanings, generational backgrounds, and visions for Osun’s future.
1. Senator Ajibola Basiru (SRJ) – APC
Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, widely known as SRJ, is a constitutional lawyer and former Attorney General of Osun State.
As the current National Secretary of the APC, he commands significant visibility at the national level.
His roots in Osogbo naturally place him at the center of the “Osogbo Agenda” narrative, which seeks to return the governorship to the state capital.
While SRJ is admired for his intellect and legal acumen, critics point to a combative political style and lingering tensions with the Oyetola camp that could undermine his path through the party primaries. He also has unclear issues with Aregbesola – his alleged political father – during Oyetola-Aregbesola scuffle. This was the time it’s believed his loyalty was urgently needed.
Regardless, whether he can convert his elite influence into grassroots support remains a central question.
2. Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun – PDP
Adewale Egbedun, the youthful Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, is gradually emerging as a significant player within the PDP.
At almost 40 years, he represents a younger generation of political actors that the party may lean toward in a post-Adeleke dispensation.
Egbedun’s political rise is largely attributed to his alignment with the Adeleke family, especially Governor Ademola Adeleke himself.
Supporters view him as an emblem of continuity and generational renewal, but detractors argue that his quick ascent is due more to political patronage than tested leadership.
His candidacy, should it materialize, would test how far youthful ambition can travel in a party known for traditional power structures.
3. Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji (AMBO) – APC
The Asiwaju of Ikire, Chief Munirudeen Oyebamiji fondly called AMBO, currently serves as the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
He’s a former Commissioner for Finance under Oyetola, and widely regarded as the former governor’s potential anointed successor.
AMBO has quietly cultivated a reputation for discipline, financial prudence, and policy clarity. His biggest challenge, however, lies in building name recognition and political charisma among the electorate.
While his loyalty to Oyetola may smooth his path within the APC caucus, translating that backing into broad political traction across Osun’s diverse constituencies remains a tall order.
4. Engr. Busuyi Ayowole – PRP (Likely)
A mechanical engineer by profession and educator by passion, Engr. Busuyi has positioned himself as a principled outsider in Osun politics.
Having previously contested under the PRP, Ayowole is gaining quiet momentum among technocrats, young voters, and others disillusioned by the APC–PDP duopoly. His focus on governance reforms, public ethics, and strategic development resonates with a growing segment of the population seeking alternatives to political patronage.
Although, he lacks traditional political machinery, Ayowole’s persistence and clean public image suggest that he could play the spoiler role — or even upset the established order — in a tight race.
5. Dr. Bayonle Adeseye – YPP
Dr. Adeseye, a medical doctor and policy advocate, represents another fresh voice in Osun’s political dialogue.
Having previously run under the Young Progressives Party (YPP), he has maintained consistency in issue-based advocacy, especially in health, education, and youth engagement.
His visibility among urban youth, particularly in academic and professional circles, grants him moral authority and a niche support base.
His chances remain slim under a less-structured party like the YPP, though
Whether he joins a stronger coalition or stays with the YPP, his presence adds intellectual depth to the campaign season.
6. Prince Dotun Babayemi – APC (Formerly PDP)
Prince Babayemi is no stranger to political battles. A former PDP gubernatorial hopeful who once engaged in a prolonged legal tussle with Governor Adeleke over the party’s 2022 ticket, Babayemi has since defected to the APC.
He brings with him a reputation for eloquence, legal mastery, and a calm political persona.
However, his defection raised eyebrows, with some questioning his political consistency and long-term loyalty.
Within the APC, Babayemi must now contend with existing power blocs and rebuild trust among those who once viewed him as an outsider.
Nevertheless, he remains a formidable candidate if he secures elite backing.
7. Governor Ademola Adeleke – PDP (Incumbent)
Governor Ademola Adeleke, the incumbent, is widely expected to seek re-election.
His populist appeal, coupled with the enduring influence of the Adeleke family, gives him a solid foundation heading into 2026.
Supporters hail his people-oriented governance style and reforms in areas like education and infrastructure.
Critics, however, argue that his administration is light on technocratic competence and long-term planning.
Intra-party rumblings may also pose internal challenges, especially if powerful factions begin to contemplate a post-Adeleke PDP. Still, as it stands, Adeleke is the man to beat.
8. Senator Iyiola Omisore – APC
A political veteran, former Deputy Governor of Osun and former National Secretary of the APC, Senator Omisore remains one of the most influential behind-the-scenes actors in the state and nationally.
Though he has not made any public move to contest, political observers are closely watching his next steps.
Omisore has extensive networks across the state and within Yoruba political circles.
However, for younger voters and reform-minded stakeholders, he is often viewed as a relic of the old guard.
Should he enter the race, it would significantly complicate calculations within the APC and potentially divide established loyalties.
9. Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola – APC
Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, the immediate past governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, continues to wield strong influence in Osun APC politics.
Though he has not signaled an interest in re-contesting, speculation remains rife about whether he will run or simply anoint a successor.
As a technocrat-turned-politician, Oyetola is credited with stabilizing Osun’s finances and maintaining administrative continuity.
However, his 2022 electoral loss still casts a long shadow.
His actions in the months ahead — especially regarding endorsements — could decisively shape the APC’s chances in 2026.
Conclusion
As Osun State inches closer to the 2026 gubernatorial election, the political terrain is becoming increasingly competitive and ideologically diverse.
The state finds itself at a crossroads, where traditional power structures are being challenged by emerging voices advocating transparency, innovation, and youth inclusion.
Candidates like Engr. Busuyi Ayowole and Dr. Adeseye offer a break from business-as-usual, even as heavyweights like Governor Adeleke, Senator Basiru, and Alhaji Oyetola prepare to assert control over their political narratives.
For the electorate, 2026 may well be an opportunity to redefine governance, rebalance leadership dynamics, and possibly rewrite the political story of Osun State.
Taofik Adekunle Jimoh (JAAT) is the Editor of News Bulletin Nigeria
