The countdown to the Osun State governorship election is almost over, and the final days of the campaign have brought the major contenders into sharper focus.
With voters expected at polling units across the state on Saturday, August 15, 2026, Governor Ademola Adeleke, APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, and ADC candidate Najeem Salaam have each used recent engagements to explain why they believe Osun voters should choose them.
A recent televised town-hall discussion gave the three prominent candidates an opportunity to speak directly about their records, plans and vision for the state.
Adeleke Wants Voters to Continue His Administration
For the incumbent governor, the central argument is continuity.
Adeleke has pointed to what he describes as achievements recorded by his administration during its time in office and has asked voters to give him another opportunity to continue with his programmes.
At the town hall, he defended his record and highlighted areas including government finances, infrastructure and social programmes.
His campaign is therefore built around a simple question for voters: should the current administration be given more time to continue what it has started?
Oyebamiji Offers an Alternative
APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji is presenting a different argument.
Rather than asking voters to judge the incumbent’s record alone, Oyebamiji has been using the final stage of the campaign to outline his own ideas for governing Osun.
Economic development and the state’s finances have featured prominently in his recent public engagements, as he seeks to convince voters that the APC can provide a different direction for the state.
For Oyebamiji, Saturday’s election represents an opportunity for voters to make a change at the Government House.
Salaam Positions ADC as Another Choice
Meanwhile, Najeem Salaam is entering the final days with the ADC platform and is presenting himself as another option for voters who may not want either of the two leading alternatives.
Salaam has spoken about governance, security and social programmes, including proposals targeted at women and improved surveillance across the state.
His campaign is seeking to turn the ADC’s presence into a serious challenge at the polls and convince voters that the party can offer a different style of leadership.
The Election Is Now About More Than Campaign Promises
At this stage of the race, voters have heard plenty of promises from political parties and candidates.
The bigger question is what happens when campaigning gives way to voting.
Turnout, the strength of each candidate’s support across different parts of Osun, the performance of their campaign organisations and the conduct of voters on election day will all matter.
The election is being watched across the state’s 30 local government areas, with more than two million registered voters expected to participate.
What Voters Should Watch Before Saturday
The final days could still produce important developments.
Voters should pay attention to official information from INEC, the final campaign messages from candidates and any instructions concerning voting arrangements.
They should also be careful with political claims circulating on social media. Not every prediction, poll, video or alleged result shared online represents an official position.
The most important decision will ultimately be made by voters at their polling units.
Final Thoughts
The Osun governorship race has reached its final stretch.
Adeleke is asking voters to judge his record and allow him to continue. Oyebamiji is campaigning for a change of direction, while Salaam is presenting the ADC as an alternative.
All three candidates remain confident about their chances, but the final decision belongs to the people of Osun.
By Saturday, campaign speeches will give way to ballots.
Whoever wins will have the responsibility of governing Osun and responding to the expectations of its people.
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