- Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared that he deserves a second term based on his first-term achievements
- He highlighted upgraded five-point agenda focusing on empowerment, infrastructure, agro-industrial growth, health, and education
- The announcement came as election campaigns officially commence for governorship election with APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji challenges Adeleke
- Adeleke promised to continue inclusive governance and sustainable development if re-elected
The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has declared that his first-term performance justifies a second term in office, as the state officially began campaign activities for the August 15, 2026, governorship election.
Speaking on Wednesday, March 11, at the Government House, Osogbo, while receiving a delegation from the Ansar-u-Deen Society of Nigeria, Osun State Council, Governor Adeleke highlighted the accomplishments of his administration and reaffirmed his commitment to people-centred governance.
The governor said his administration’s five-point agenda has been upgraded to further serve citizens, focusing on integrated youth, women, and workers’ empowerment; infrastructure consolidation; agro-industrial expansion; affordable health and education; and an improved business environment to stimulate job creation.
“These priorities build on our original 2022 agenda, which we have faithfully implemented. I believe we have delivered on our electoral promises to the people of Osun,” Adeleke said.
During the visit, members of the Ansar-u-Deen Society, led by Council Secretary Pharmacist Akande Hafiz, commended the governor for infrastructural developments in Iwo, particularly the dualisation of Odo-Ori-Adeeke Road, and sought support for a new mosque following the demolition of their previous place of worship.
Governor Adeleke listed other achievements of his administration, including:
- Empowering the cooperative movement with almost N4bn
- Strengthening community development associations through grassroots health and infrastructure projects
- Implementing the Imole Medical Outreach, benefiting nearly 80,000 residents
- Reviving agriculture and rural development, distributing cocoa seedlings, and providing new tractors to farmers
- Constructing over 350 kilometres of roads, developing three major flyovers, rehabilitating schools and health centres, drilling 332 boreholes, and reviving six moribund waterworks
- Digitising tax and revenue collection and implementing the SIFMIS payroll system for transparent fund management
- Acquiring Certificates of Occupancy within 45 days and reviving the Osun Free Trade Zone with active investors
- Paying inherited half salaries and almost N100 billion in pension arrears
“I deserve re-election because of what our administration has delivered for the people of Osun. When re-elected, we will continue inclusive and forward-looking governance that keeps the people at the centre of our programmes and policies,” Adeleke asserted.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, with running mate Aare (Engr) Benjamin Kayode Adereti, has also expressed confidence in winning the election, describing Adeleke’s administration as insufficient to move the state forward.
The APC pledged to work hard to secure victory for its candidate.
Another major contender in the race is Dr Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently rescheduled the Osun governorship election from August 8 to August 15, 2026.