By Blessing Bello, Reporting
THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the upcoming governorship election in Osun State, scheduled for 15th August, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) unveiling a last-minute change to its ticket.
According to the list published on Thursday, former House of Representatives hopeful Benjamin Adereti has been confirmed as the running mate to the APC’s governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyamibiji.
Adereti’s inclusion comes after the commission removed former state lawmaker Tunde Olatunji, whose name had originally been submitted as deputy in February 2026.
The final list, obtained by our correspondent, reveals a full slate of candidates vying for the state’s top job. In the Accord Party, incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, from Ede, will run alongside Prince Kola Adewusi of Ile-Ife.
Other major parties have also finalised their pairings. The Action Alliance (AA) will be represented by Olarewaju Farinloye, with Fadahunsi Olaniyi as his deputy. The African Action Congress (AAC) fielded Esan Olajide, with Bello Yekeen as running mate, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) selected Salam Najeem, partnering with Yemisi Temitope.
For the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Adeagbo Opawoye will stand for governor, with Atanda Babatunde as his deputy.
Beyond the APC’s headline change, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) will see Adeyemi-Doro Olusanya contest, with Duro-Oni Duro as his number two. The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) fielded Adewale Adebayo alongside Jimoh Shina, while the Action Peoples Party (APP) selected Adesuyi Banji Clement and Odesola Oluseye. The Boot Party (BP) will be represented by Adeleke Masilo, with Aresa Kehinde Adenike.
Further down the list, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) named Adeleke Taofeek as its governorship candidate, supported by Adeyera Adesola.
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) fielded Saliu Oyelami, with Adewale Alabi Solomon as deputy. The Young Progressives Party (YPP) picked Ogunsakin Enoch and Oyetola Taye, while the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) selected Adesuyi John Olufemi and Abdulsalam Olamide.
Reacting to the development, the APC’s Director of Media and Publicity described the choice of Adereti as a strategic masterstroke.
He expressed confidence that the new ticket would bolster the party’s chances, stating that the decision would “cement the party’s victory come 15th August 2026.”
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