Osun 2026: PDP, APC Brace for Showdown as Political Activities Gather Momentum
- A political analyst, Murtala Agboola, has shed light on the strength of political structures in Osun State ahead of the August 2026 gubernatorial election, as declared by INEC
- The People's Democratic Party's Media Director, Hezekiah Oladele Bamiji, has asserted the party's strength, sending a strong message to the opposition
- The All Progressives Congress's Media Director, Kola Olabisi, explained why the party is getting stronger and how opposition figures take interest in the party
Osogbo, Osun State - Barely a year to the gubernatorial election in Osun State, the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the main opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC), have asserted their influence to come victorious in the 2026 gubernatorial election.
Source: Twitter
Speaking with Legit.ng, the directors of Media and Publicity of the two parties expressed their confidence, relying on their “popularity” to win the election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced August 2026 as the month for the election to decide the next Governor of Osun State.
APC, ADC lack what it takes to win Osun State, PDP claims
Speaking with Legit.ng, the PDP's Director of Media, Mr Hezekiah Oladele Bamiji, stated that even though his party does not underestimate any party, it remains a party to beat in Osun State.
He argued that, in the estimation of the PDP, nothing is preventing it from winning the gubernatorial election again in 2026.
“From our angle, we don't underrate anyone. We respect oppositions with whatever names outstanding, but don't constitute any potent threats to us as the ruling party in the state, where Nigeria is gradually moving away from where people just think they can win elections through propaganda, noise-making, or what have you.” Bamiji explained
Bamiji noted that the voters in Osun State are well-educated and can differentiate between right and wrong.
“People have moved to the level of judging you by what they can see that you have done for them. Thank goodness, the APC as a party was there. They had almost 12 years, the people in the state had almost 12 years to test run them too, to see what they can offer, which they have failed the people.”
APC blinks, says PDP no longer has strength in Osun
Contrary to the claim by the PDP that APC poses no threat to its re-election, the Director of Media and Publicity of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Kola Olabisi, said that APC is getting stronger every day, especially with the PDP bigwigs, including two of the three senators in Osun migrating into the party.
“So, what I'm saying is that APC is still a party to beat. We are gaining ground almost daily. So, if not, how will two Senators and House of Representatives members decamp to our party?
”Three House of Representatives members, too, they decamped to our party and are still counting, and we are still expecting more. So, that is in addition to all the leading lights in the PDP that have defected into our party.
“The fact that we are having so many aspirants shows that our party is in a position of strength for our party, right? And it shows clearly that we are democratic, and everybody would like to identify with a very good product. So, for instance, we are not the only party in the state.
"So, don't, if a PDP were to be a very strong party that can win an election, why would Governor Adeleke have anchored to defect into our party? You know, he was blocked." Olabisi explained
Analyst weighs in on the strength of political parties in Osun
Meanwhile, A political analyst, Murtala Agboola, noted that, notwithstanding the efforts by the opposition parties in Osun State, the incumbent will always strive to win the election.
He said, “The ruling party will do everything possible to retain power, given the seeming popularity it's enjoying now. Salaries are being paid, and infrastructure is also good.”
Agboola contended that the opposition parties would find it difficult to win the 2026 gubernatorial election in the State of the Living Spring.
He, however, asserted that the APC has a record of the money Osun State has collected so far, which he said could not justify the work done by the Governor Ademola Adeleke-led administration.
Source: Twitter
Adeleke family sponsor osun worker's salary - Bode george
Legit.ng previously reported that an Elder statesman and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has alleged that music star Davido, alongside his father and Governor Ademola Adeleke, have been responsible for paying the salaries of Osun State local government workers for months.
George made the claim during an interview on Nigeria Info FM, Lagos, where he said the federal government had failed to remit allowances to the state for about six months.
Source: Legit.ng
Ridwan Kolawole (Oyo State Correspondent) Oyo state's regional correspondent Ridwan Kolawole has over a decade of journalism practice, covering politics, crimes/conflict, education, and social issues. He is a recipient of the Practical Action and UKaid travel grant for a tour of El Salvador on evidence-based crime prevention and control (2016). He is a serial winner of the Next Generation Social Science in Africa programme Fellowship of the Social Science Research Council (SSRC, New York—2019, 2020 and 2022). For passion and knowledge mobilisation, Ridwan practices journalism and teaches it at the University of Ibadan.
Abdul-Hafeez Fadehan (Editorial Assistant) Abdul-Hafeez Fadehan is a Legit.ng journalist with over a year of experience writing for Punch Newspaper. He received his BSc in Criminology and Security Studies from FUOYE. His background in media communications and criminology, with practical experience in research, interviewing, and digital media, allows him to craft compelling narratives that drive positive change. Fadehan is an Editorial Assistant on Politics/CA Desk at Legit.ng. He is committed to ethical journalism, leveraging his skills to create a meaningful impact. Reach him at abdul-hafeez.fadehan@corp.legit.ng or 070622666732.
