Osun 2026: Oyinlola-led PDP Faction Dumps Adeleke, Backs APC’s Oyebamiji

Blessing Fali

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, associated with former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has declared its support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

The development has added a new dimension to the political contest in the state, coming at a time when the major political parties are intensifying their campaigns and mobilisation efforts ahead of the election.

Oyinlola, a former governor of Osun State and a prominent figure within the PDP, announced the decision on behalf of the group. He explained that although the members remained loyal to the PDP as a political party, they had decided to support Oyebamiji because of what they described as the need for a different direction in the governance of the state.

The former governor reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, particularly over what he described as a lack of inclusiveness and the marginalisation of some PDP stakeholders who contributed to the party’s success during the 2022 governorship election.

According to Oyinlola, the group had worked extensively for the emergence of Adeleke and the PDP administration but became disappointed with the way some members and stakeholders were allegedly treated after the election.

He maintained that political loyalty should not prevent individuals from speaking out when they believe the interests of the state are not being adequately served.

Oyinlola said the decision to support Oyebamiji was therefore based on what the group considered to be the broader interest of Osun State rather than a formal defection from the PDP.

The former governor also urged Oyebamiji to ensure that his administration, if elected, would be inclusive and representative of people across political, religious, ethnic and professional backgrounds.

He called on the APC candidate to prioritise issues affecting ordinary residents, including economic development, job creation, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and youth empowerment.

Oyebamiji, in his reaction to the endorsement, welcomed the support and described it as an indication of the growing confidence in his candidacy.

The APC candidate promised to operate an administration that would be open to all residents of Osun State, regardless of political affiliation.

He also appealed to voters to look beyond party sentiments and consider the competence, character and programmes of the candidates when making their choice at the polls.

The endorsement by the Oyinlola-led group is significant because of the former governor’s long-standing influence within Osun politics. His political network and relationships within the PDP could potentially affect the mobilisation of some party members and supporters ahead of the election.

However, the development does not mean that the entire Osun PDP has abandoned Governor Adeleke. The group has been described as a faction of the party, while Adeleke continues to enjoy the support of other PDP leaders, members and political structures in the state.

The governor is seeking another term in office and has continued to campaign on the record of his administration, while the APC and other opposition parties have been challenging the PDP government’s performance and presenting their own programmes to voters.

The political realignment has therefore intensified the battle for votes as the August 15 election approaches.

The Osun governorship election is expected to attract significant attention because of the competitive nature of the state’s politics and the strength of the major political parties.

With the latest endorsement, the APC’s Oyebamiji appears to have gained additional political backing from a group linked to one of the state’s former governors, while Adeleke’s camp will be looking to consolidate its existing support base and counter the opposition’s growing campaign.

As the election draws closer, attention is expected to focus on the ability of the various candidates and political parties to translate endorsements, campaign promises and political alliances into actual votes on election day.