Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has expressed confidence in winning the August 8, 2026, governorship election, asserting that his performance and popularity will ensure his re-election.
Speaking with journalists on Thursday after his screening at the National Campaign Organisation Committee (NCOC) Secretariat in Maitama, Abuja, Adeleke said he had delivered “wonderfully well” in office and believed the people of Osun would reward him with a second term.
The governor, who was cleared by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership at the party’s Legacy House in Abuja ahead of the 2026 primaries, highlighted his achievements as a key factor in his popularity.
“It is because I have performed wonderfully well. There is something called fact-checking; as journalists, you should fact-check, and you will discover that I have done so well. My people are happy with me, and that is why they want me to continue,” he said.
When asked if he feared the influence of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and what is often referred to as ‘federal might,’ Adeleke dismissed such concerns, stressing that his popularity would secure his victory.
“I am very popular. Everywhere you go, you hear people call me Imole, say 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 mess anything up,” the governor stated confidently.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned political parties in Osun State against breaching electoral laws ahead of their primaries. Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Dr. Mutiu Agboke delivered the warning at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Olusegun Agbaje Media Centre, Osogbo.
Agboke reminded parties that, according to the election timetable, primaries must take place between November 24 and December 15, 2025, in compliance with Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates democratic nomination of candidates.
“We appeal to political parties in the state to allow internal democracy to guide their conduct. Free and fair elections begin with how parties conduct their primaries. A rancour-free process will not only reduce pre-election litigations but also strengthen the party’s unity and the legitimacy of candidates,” Agboke said.
He further emphasized that campaigning has not yet begun, warning that any premature political activity would constitute a violation of the law.
