- The All Progressives Congress in Osun State selected Tunde Lekan Olatunji as running mate to its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the 2026 election
- The Independent National Electoral Commission published the names of governorship and deputy governorship candidates at its Osun office and across local government areas
- Olatunji, a former Ife North lawmaker and ex-Chief Whip of the Osun State House of Assembly, emerged after consultations aimed at strengthening the APC’s electoral prospects
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has selected former lawmaker, Tunde Lekan Olatunji, as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.
The development was confirmed on Monday following the publication of the names of political parties and their governorship and deputy governorship candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at its Osun State office.
It was further gathered that the names of the candidates and their respective political parties have been displayed at INEC offices across all local government areas in the state, in line with electoral guidelines.
Olatunji, an indigene of Edunabon town, previously represented Ife North State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly between 2019 and 2023. During his tenure, he served as Chief Whip of the Assembly, a role that involved coordinating legislative business and ensuring party discipline within the House.
Party officials disclosed that his emergence as the deputy governorship candidate followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the state. The decision, they said, was aimed at strengthening the party’s electoral prospects and ensuring balanced representation within the ticket.
Oyebamiji, the APC’s governorship flag bearer, is expected to lead the party into what observers anticipate will be a closely contested race in 2026. Political analysts note that the choice of a running mate is often strategic, taking into account geographical spread, political experience and grassroots appeal.
The publication of candidates’ names by INEC marks a significant milestone in the build-up to the election, signalling the formal commencement of the next phase of the electoral process.
With political activities gradually intensifying across Osun State, attention is now shifting to campaign strategies and potential alliances as parties position themselves ahead of the polls. The APC leadership in the state has expressed confidence that its ticket reflects a blend of experience and loyalty, qualities it believes will resonate with voters in 2026.