Osun election: Oyebamiji confident of defeating Adeleke

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has expressed confidence in his ability to defeat Governor Ademola Adeleke in the August 15 governorship election.

Oyebamiji stated this on Tuesday at the ARISE Town Hall in Osogbo while responding to allegations that his campaign was relying on the backing of the Federal Government, popularly described as “federal might”.

The APC candidate dismissed the claim, insisting that his support was coming from Osun residents rather than any political influence at the national level.

He said extensive consultations across the state had convinced him that voters were ready for a change in government.

“I have visited 30-plus local government areas in Osun State three times. Nobody has ever done that,” Oyebamiji said.

According to him, his initial visits were aimed at consulting APC members on their readiness to take over the state, while subsequent engagements involved campaign mobilisation and meetings with community stakeholders.

“I have to go and consult the party members if we are ready to take this government or not, and the response was overwhelming. Everybody responded and said that yes, we need to take this government,” he said.

Oyebamiji said he later visited local government areas to inaugurate campaign canvassers, adding that their enthusiasm further strengthened his belief that residents wanted a change.

“I have to go around the local government to inaugurate those canvassers, and they were charged, they were motivated, and they were encouraged,” he said.

He added that his campaign subsequently engaged community leaders, artisans, traders, civil servants and other groups across the state.

“After that, I had to go again to consult with the canvassers, the community leaders, the artisans, the Yalujas, the Babalujas, and even the civil servants. And after that, I was convinced beyond doubt that our people in Osun are ready for a change,” Oyebamiji said.

The APC candidate also claimed that his campaign had secured endorsements from about 42 sectors and groups in the state over the past two months.

He listed traders, women, youths, private-sector operators and civil servants among groups he said had backed his candidacy.

Oyebamiji maintained that his anticipated victory would be determined by voters rather than the influence of the Federal Government or any other political force.

“By special grace of God, I’m coming in as the governor of Osun come 15th of August 2026. This is something that is not far-fetched. It is not by any power, whether it is a national power or it is mighty power, it is by the people,” he said.

He also dismissed suggestions that his camp was concerned about Adeleke’s popularity, arguing that his professional and administrative experience gave him an advantage.

Oyebamiji urged voters to compare his background and experience with those of the incumbent before deciding who should lead the state.

“Put Bola Oyebamiji with his background and put the governor side by side, and you want to employ an MD of a private enterprise. Who out of those two would you pick?” he asked.