Osun State Rocked by Political Tensions and EFCC Freezing Order: A Battle for Power Unfolds

Osun State is preparing for a highly anticipated governorship election on August 15, 2026, a contest that has become a critical bellwether for Nigeria's political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. With 2,339,233 eligible voters across 332 wards and 3,763 polling units in 30 local government areas, the election is primarily a three-way race involving incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party (AP), Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Governor Adeleke, popularly known as the 'Dancing Governor', assumed office on November 27, 2022, after defeating incumbent Governor Gboyega Oyetola (APC) in the July 16, 2022 election. He is seeking a second term under the Accord Party, having previously run on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform. During his 2022 campaign, Adeleke presented a five-point agenda focused on workers' and pensioners' welfare, economic expansion, infrastructure development, people-focused social policies (education, healthcare, security), and agro-based industrialization. Nearly four years into his administration, he claims significant achievements, including constructing over 300 kilometres of roads, rehabilitating more than 200 primary healthcare centres and 150 public schools, clearing N47 billion in inherited pension liabilities, implementing a N75,000 minimum wage, and making the University of Ilesa fully operational.

However, public opinion on Adeleke's performance is mixed. While many residents and civil servants praise his efforts in workers' welfare and timely salary/pension payments, which have improved morale, criticisms include allegations of nepotism, lopsided infrastructure development (with a perceived over-focus on his hometown, Ede, at the expense of the state capital, Osogbo), and a perceived neglect of tourism and inherited projects. Some residents also noted shortcomings in healthcare, security, and the need for stronger agricultural support and better monitoring of contractors. Despite these mixed reviews, some supporters score his administration highly, particularly for its impact on education and infrastructure in various local governments like Iwo, Ila, and Ilesha.

The Osun election is marked by significant political dynamics and proxy battles. The APC's candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, a technocrat with a background as a banker, head of a federal agency, and former state finance commissioner, is positioning himself as an alternative to Adeleke. The APC, under President Bola Tinubu, is heavily invested in reclaiming Osun State, viewing it as a