Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has expressed strong confidence in his chances of winning re-election in the upcoming August 8, 2026 governorship poll, declaring that his popularity and performance will secure his victory.
Speaking with journalists on Thursday after his screening at the National Campaign Organisation Committee (NCOC) Secretariat in Maitama, Abuja, the governor said he had performed “wonderfully well” and was confident that the people of Osun would reward his administration with another term in office.
Adeleke, who was screened and cleared by the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the party’s Legacy House ahead of the 2026 primary election, stated that his achievements since taking office had endeared him to the people.
“It is because I have performed wonderfully well. As journalists, you can fact-check and you’ll see the results. My people are happy with me, and that’s why they want me to continue,” he said.
Addressing concerns about the possible influence of the ‘federal might’ of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Adeleke dismissed any fear, insisting that his popularity across the state was enough to guarantee victory.
“I am very popular. Everywhere you go, people call me Imole! So, I am not afraid of federal might. The President knows my election comes before the general elections, and he will not want to tamper with it,” the governor declared confidently.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned political parties in Osun State against violating electoral laws as they prepare for their primaries.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Olusegun Agbaje Media Centre in Osogbo, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, reminded parties to strictly adhere to the timetable and regulations governing the 2026 governorship election.
According to him, party primaries must hold between November 24 and December 15, 2025, in accordance with Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates political parties to democratically nominate their candidates.
“We appeal to political parties to allow internal democracy to guide their conduct. Free and fair elections begin with transparent primaries. A peaceful process will reduce litigations and strengthen party unity,” Agboke said.
The REC also warned that campaign activities have not officially commenced and that any party or aspirant engaging in premature campaigns would be violating the law.
With political tension gradually building up ahead of the 2026 polls, Governor Adeleke’s confidence and the INEC’s warning have set the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested election in Osun State.
