By Joy Omagha Idam
Governor Ademola Adeleke has secured re-election as Governor of Osun State, winning a fresh four-year mandate after defeating his closest challenger, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, in the governorship election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke the winner in the early hours of Sunday, August 16, after the collation of results from the state’s 30 Local Government Areas.
Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, polled 511,067 votes, defeating Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes. The governor therefore won by a margin of 66,252 votes, according to the figures reported following the declaration.
The victory marks Adeleke’s second consecutive governorship victory in Osun. He first won the governorship election in 2022 and will now return to Government House, Osogbo, for another four-year term.
ADELEKE DOMINATES 19 LGAs
The governor’s victory was built on strong performances across the state. Reports indicate that Adeleke won in 19 of Osun’s 30 Local Government Areas, while Oyebamiji prevailed in 11 LGAs.
His victory also represents a significant political milestone for the Accord Party, which provided the platform for his re-election after his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The election marked the first time the party won a governorship election in Osun State.
A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
The outcome has been widely interpreted as a renewed vote of confidence from Osun voters in Adeleke’s leadership and his administration’s development agenda.
Speaking after his victory, Adeleke thanked the people of Osun State for their support and described the result as a victory for democracy. He also outlined an ambitious agenda for his second term, including efforts to move Osun from an economy heavily dependent on the civil service towards a more industrialised economy.
The governor’s second-term mandate will place renewed expectations on his administration to consolidate ongoing programmes, expand infrastructure, create employment opportunities and deepen economic development across the state.
JUBILATION ACROSS OSUN
Following the announcement of the result, celebrations erupted in several parts of the state, including Osogbo, the state capital, and Ede, Adeleke’s hometown.
Supporters described the result as a triumph for continuity, while political observers are expected to closely watch how Adeleke uses his fresh mandate to implement his promises and unite the state after a fiercely contested election.
The election also attracted national attention, with political leaders congratulating the governor on his victory. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, among others, described the outcome as reflecting the choice of the people expressed through the ballot box.
FOUR MORE YEARS, GREATER EXPECTATIONS
With his re-election secured, Governor Adeleke now faces the challenge of turning the confidence expressed at the polls into measurable improvements in the lives of Osun residents.
For the people of Osun, the message from the ballot box is clear: continuity has been chosen.
The task before Governor Adeleke is now to deliver on the renewed mandate by building a stronger economy, improving infrastructure, creating opportunities for young people, supporting women and businesses, strengthening public services and ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach communities across the state.
As Osun begins another political chapter under Adeleke, the coming four years will ultimately determine whether his second-term victory becomes a defining milestone in the state’s development story.
Weekenders Magazine congratulates Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and wishes him wisdom, strength and success as he begins his second term in office.
The people have spoken. The mandate has been renewed. Now, the work continues.
The entire management and Editorial Team of Weekenders magazine Congratulate governor Adeleke.