Ademola Adeleke Wins Re-election as Osun State Governor

Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party won re-election in the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke the winner with 511,067 votes, defeating All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes. Adeleke secured victories in 19 of the state's 30 local government areas, marking a significant increase in his winning margin compared to 2022.

The election was characterized by intense political friction. While observers like the Athena Election Observatory praised the use of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) technology, reports emerged of sporadic shooting in Osogbo, an alleged assassination attempt on ADC candidate Najeem Salaam, and widespread vote-buying. Musician David Adeleke, the governor's nephew, alleged the APC spent 110 billion naira to influence the outcome, while former Governor Ayodele Fayose claimed the Accord Party also exceeded legal spending limits.

Following the result, Adeleke reaffirmed his endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, a move that drew criticism from opposition figures like Omoyele Sowore. The APC rejected the results, launching an audit of election materials and alleging post-election violence against its supporters. Conversely, the Imole Campaign Council began documenting victims of violence to pursue justice. On August 20, Adeleke visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja to present his Certificate of Return to President Tinubu and consult with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.