Oyinlola And Omisore Dumps Adeleke, Backs Oyebamiji Ahead Of Osun Election

Former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and former Deputy Governor Iyiola Omisore have endorsed Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the August 15 governorship election.

Oyinlola and Omisore, chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), announced his support for Oyebamiji, who is contesting against incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Oyinlola governed Osun between 2003 and 2010. He backed Adeleke during the 2022 governorship election but has since become critical of the current administration.

Oyinlola said Osun needed a fresh approach, stressing that this was the reason they decided to support the APC candidate.

“In this particular moment, Osun state requires a different direction. It is on this basis that we have resolved to officially declare our support for Mr Bola Oyebamiji,” he said.

Reacting to the endorsement, Oyebamiji said he was honoured by the decision of Oyinlola and other PDP members to back his candidacy.

“I am deeply honoured by the decision of members of the PDP in Osun State, led by former Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, to endorse my candidacy for Governor of Osun State,” he wrote on X.

“This endorsement is more than political support; it is a reflection of a shared conviction that Osun deserves a new direction, one founded on justice, fairness, inclusion and development that reaches every part of our state.”

The APC campaign council also welcomed the endorsement, saying it would strengthen the party’s campaign ahead of the election.

The council said Oyebamiji had received support from several political figures from the PDP, Accord and other groups.

Those mentioned include former Senator Olasunkanmi Akinlabi, former Osun Secretary to the State Government Fatai Akinbade and former PDP National Vice-Chairman Tajudeen Oladipo.

The campaign council said the growing endorsements suggested that the election was becoming more about the future direction of Osun than party loyalty.

The APC campaign council accused Adeleke of failing to deliver on some of his campaign promises.

It also said Oyinlola had criticised the administration’s handling of government affairs and finances.

Oyebamiji promised that, if elected, his administration would serve all residents regardless of their political party, senatorial district, religion or community.

“Every citizen deserves to feel the impact of government and every part of Osun deserves a fair opportunity to grow,” he said.

The APC candidate is campaigning on a seven-point prosperity agenda focused on areas including education, healthcare, agriculture, youth and women empowerment, wealth creation and industrial development.

He has also pledged to promote transparency and accountability while ensuring that government resources are distributed fairly across the state.

The Osun State governorship election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

ALSO READ: “Is Osun Not Tired Of Having A Dancing Governor” – Okpebholo Mocks Adeleke [Video]