Osun 2026: Oyebamiji Picks Benjamin Adereti As Running Mate

Osun 2026: Oyebamiji picks ex-Rep candidate, Adereti as running mate

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Oyebamiji, has picked the 2023 House of Representatives candidate of the party for Ife Federal Constituency election, Benjamin Adereti, as his running mate in the 2026 governorship poll.

Adereti, who lost the 2023 election to Bimbo Ajilesoro, then of the Peoples Democratic Party, replaced ex-state lawmaker, Tunde Olatunji, who was listed in the previous list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Also on the list released by INEC on Wednesday, ex Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam, contesting the governorship poll on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, chose a female running mate, Yemisi Agiri.

The incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, has, however, retained his current deputy, Kola Adewusi, as his running mate on the platform of Accord.

On the final list of nominated candidates for the Osun governorship poll, attached to a letter signed by the INEC Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony, dated March 4, 2026, a 36-year-old Adeyera Oluwabusola Adesola was listed as the running mate to the governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Adeleke Adewale Taofeek, 52.

Zenith Labour Party’s candidate, Adesuyi Olufemi, 50, has Abdulsalam Olamide, 35, as running mate, while 39-year old Esan Olamide of African Action Congress has Bello Muideen Yekeen, 51, as running mate.

The letter, titled ‘FORWARDING OF FINAL LIST OF CANDIDATES FOR THE 2026 OSUN STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION,’ signed by the INEC Secretary, introducing the candidates nominated by the 14 political parties cleared for the Osun poll, further read, “The approved Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election has the 9th day of March, 2026 as the last day for publication of the Final List of nominated candidates.

“Find forwarded the Final List of Candidates for publication in line with Section

32(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.

PUNCH Online reports that the Osun State Governorship poll will hold on August 15, 2026, with 14 political parties cleared for the poll.

Notable among political parties that have no candidate for the poll include the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party.