Osun State’s Political Landscape Shifting Ahead of 2026 Gubernatorial Election
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Osun State has officially announced that its primary election for the 2026 governorship race will take place on December 13, 2025. This event is expected to determine the party’s candidate who will compete in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
In a press release signed by the Osun NNPP Chairman, Mr Tosin Odeyemi, it was stated that extensive preparations have been made to ensure a smooth and successful primary election. Odeyemi emphasized that the party is not only preparing to participate in the next election but is also committed to winning it.
Odeyemi shared further details about the party’s activities leading up to the election, highlighting that there are currently at least four aspirants vying for the nomination. He added that many more individuals are expressing interest in joining the party. “The 2026 gubernatorial election will definitely be a different ball game in Osun, as we are set to spring surprises,” he said.
He also noted that the NNPP is seen as a new political force in the state, capitalizing on the current challenges faced by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the internal divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC). “People are now seeing our party as a third force through which they can strive,” Odeyemi said.
Odeyemi expressed optimism about the party’s chances in the upcoming election. “As we speak, we have not less than four aspirants, and many people are still informing us of their interest in joining us. We are working underneath, and feelers have made us realize that Osun masses are ready to support whoever emerges as our candidate after the December 13, 2025, primary election,” he added.
He encouraged NNPP members to continue promoting various programs aimed at addressing the hardships many Nigerians are facing. The political climate in Osun is becoming increasingly active as the August 8, 2026, governorship poll approaches.
Several parties are planning their primaries in December. For instance, the APC, the main opposition party in the state, has scheduled its primaries for December 13. Governor Ademola Adeleke, the current governor of Osun, has already been vetted by his party, the PDP, to contest in the election.
So far, 13 aspirants have expressed interest in running under the APC’s banner. These include:
- Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority
- Iyiola Omisore, former Deputy Governor of Osun State
- Babajide Omoworare, former Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business
- Dotun Babayemi
- Benedict Alabi, former Deputy Governor of Osun
- Akin Ogunbiyi, Chairman, Mutual Assurance Benefits
- Kunle Adegoke (SAN), a legal practitioner
These candidates represent a diverse group of individuals with varying backgrounds and experience, indicating a competitive race for the APC’s nomination.