The Independent National Electoral Commission in Osun State has released the names and particulars of candidates and their running mates for the August 8, 2026, governorship election.
While 14 political parties scaled through, with the names of their candidates published, the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, Social Democratic Party, National Rescue Movement and Youth Party were omitted from the list.
In a statement signed by the Osun INEC Public Affairs Officer, Musa Olurode, and obtained in Osogbo on Sunday, the commission said 14 political parties complied with its requirements within the stipulated time frame.
“The political parties that validly uploaded the names and particulars of their candidates and their running mates as released by the headquarters of the commission, Abuja, are: Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
“All Progressives Congress (APC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
“In accordance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and as provided in item 4 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Osun State Governorship Election, the commission has published the personal particulars of candidates and those of their running mates (Form EC9).
“Copies of each candidate’s Form EC9, together with all accompanying academic credentials and other documents submitted, will be displayed at the INEC state office and in all the thirty (30) Local Government Area Offices and the Area Office of the commission in Osun State on Monday, 16th February, 2026,” the statement read.
The commission advised political parties, candidates and members of the public to inspect the published documents as provided by law.
INEC further stated “that only the fourteen (14) political parties listed above, having met the constitutional and regulatory requirements within the prescribed period, will participate in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.”
The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, called on political parties and the public to continue to support the commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
The governorship election will be held on August 8, with the incumbent, Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord, slugging it out with Bola Oyebamiji of the APC, Dr Najeem Salaam of the ADC and 11 others.
The PDP’s inability to present a candidate for the election may be linked to the leadership crisis within the party.
The Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led National Working Committee, supported by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, conducted a primary on December 3, 2025, producing Adedamola Adebayo as its candidate.
Meanwhile, the caretaker committee backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which has been recognised by INEC, did not conduct any primary for the election.
Cases regarding the party’s authentic leadership are pending at the Court of Appeal, which has adjourned to a later date to deliver judgment.
