INEC Releases Final List of Candidates for August 2026 Osun Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission has released the final list of cleared candidates for the August 2026 Osun State Governorship Election, confirming six political parties in the governorship race alongside their running mates.

The list, signed by Rose Oriaran-Anthony, Secretary to the Commission, outlines candidates’ names, ages, gender, party affiliation, and educational qualifications.

They inude: Ademola Adeleke (Accord party), incumbent governor, 65, with SSC and BSc qualifications, is seeking re-election. His running mate is Adenusi Kola Adegboyega (66).

Olanrewaju Farinloye (AA) – 40, presents GCSE and CCECS qualifications. His deputy governorship candidate is Fadahunsi Olaniyi (67), a 1979 alumnus of St. Nicholas Gaskia College.

Esan Olajide (AAC) – 39, with FSLC, SSCE, and BSc credentials, is listed with Bello Muideen Yekeen (51) as deputy.

Salaam Najeem Folasayo (ADC) – 60, holds multiple academic qualifications, including FSLC, SSCE, and an M.Sc. from Obafemi Awolowo University. His running mate is Agiri Yemisi Temitope (55), who possesses FSLC and WAEC certifications.

Adegabo Opawoye Yemisi (ADP) – the only female governorship candidate on the list, aged 84, with a B.Ed degree. She is paired with Atanda Eniola Babatunde (43).

Oyebamiji Bola (APC) – 60, holds FSLC, WAEC, and a Higher National Diploma (HND). His deputy candidate is not listed on this page of the released document.

OYO NEWS reports that the list features one female governorship candidate and one female deputy governorship candidate, reflecting a modest presence of women in the 2026 Osun electoral field.

Candidate qualifications range from First School Leaving Certificates to postgraduate degrees, illustrating broad educational diversity.

All candidates were cleared with no persons with disabilities (PWDs) indicated in the PWD column.

The publication of this list officially sets the stage for intensified campaigns as political parties prepare for the August polls. INEC reiterated its commitment to a transparent, credible, and peaceful governorship election in Osun State.