The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates for the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election, confirming that campaign activities by political parties will formally begin on March 11, 2026.
The Osun State governorship election is scheduled for August 15, 2026, and INEC’s approval of candidates and their running mates is a key procedural step ahead of the campaign period and election proper.
INEC requires all aspirants to complete nomination formalities before their names are cleared for inclusion on the ballot.
The campaign timetable is guided by the Electoral Act, 2026, and the commission’s election schedule for the state poll.
Political campaigns allow parties and candidates to present their visions, engage voters, and mobilise support ahead of the poll.
INEC has also reminded political actors that electioneering activities must comply with legal regulations and guidelines set out in electoral law.
In a letter signed by INEC Secretary Dr Rose Oriaran‑Anthony on March 4, 2026, the commission confirmed the final list of 14 candidates from participating political parties for the Osun governorship election.
The list includes candidates from 14 political parties who completed their nomination requirements within the stipulated deadline.
The Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party did not present candidates for the poll and were therefore not on the final list.
Among the candidates, the All Progressives Congress (APC) nominated Bola Oyebamiji, who selected Benjamin Adereti as his running mate.
Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of Accord retained Kola Adewusi as deputy. Other cleared candidates include Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress with Yemisi Agiri as running mate, and nominees from parties such as the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Zenith Labour Party and African Action Congress, each with their respective running mates.
With the final list now published, INEC has set March 11, 2026 as the official date for the commencement of political campaigns ahead of the governorship election.
The release of the final list of candidates and the start of campaign activities will kick‑off a critical phase in the Osun State electoral timeline.
Political parties and their candidates will have the statutory campaign period to engage voters across the state.
The absence of major parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party from the final candidate list may affect the dynamics of political competition in the state.
INEC’s emphasis on legal compliance for electioneering activities also reinforces the importance of orderly campaigns that adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, and relevant electoral regulations.
