OSUN 2026: Political Shock 48 Hours To Poll As Accord Faction Dumps Adeleke, Backs APC’s Oyebamiji
A fresh political twist has emerged in Osun State just 48 hours before Saturday’s governorship election, as a faction of the Accord Party has withdrawn its support for incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke and thrown its weight behind the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
The development came on Thursday at the APC mega rally in Osun State, where the factional National Chairman and presidential candidate of the Accord Party, Professor Christopher Imumolen, publicly declared support for Oyebamiji.
Imumolen said his faction had stepped down its earlier support for Governor Adeleke and would instead back the APC candidate in Saturday's election.
The endorsement adds another layer of drama to what is already shaping up to be a closely watched governorship contest in Osun.
WHY THIS MATTERS
For political watchers, the timing is significant.
With voters heading to the polls on Saturday, August 15, the endorsement could potentially strengthen Oyebamiji's campaign by giving him additional political support and structures associated with the Imumolen-led faction.
The APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, is challenging incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking another term in office. The contest is one of the major political battles being watched across the South-West.
But there is an important point for voters to understand: this is an endorsement by a faction of the Accord Party, not necessarily a declaration by the entire Accord Party structure.
The report specifically identifies Imumolen as the factional National Chairman, meaning the development should not automatically be interpreted as the entire Accord Party abandoning Adeleke.
FROM ADELEKE TO OYEBAMIJI
The latest move represents a political shift from the position previously associated with Imumolen's faction.
The faction had earlier been linked with support for Governor Adeleke, but at the APC rally, Imumolen announced the decision to support Oyebamiji instead.
The endorsement comes as political parties intensify their final mobilisation efforts across Osun ahead of Saturday's vote.
Oyebamiji, a former Osun Commissioner for Finance and current Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, is campaigning on the APC platform, while Adeleke is seeking to retain the governorship.
THE BIG QUESTION: WILL THE ENDORSEMENT TRANSLATE INTO VOTES?
That is the question Nigerians will be asking.
Political endorsements can generate momentum, attract new supporters and influence undecided voters. But ultimately, it is the electorate that will determine the winner when the ballots are cast.
The Osun election features multiple candidates and political interests, meaning the race goes beyond just the APC and Accord.
With only hours left before voting begins, parties are expected to intensify their mobilisation, while voters will have the final say.
A HIGH-STAKES ELECTION
The August 15 election is attracting considerable attention because of the political significance of Osun and the battle between the incumbent administration and opposition forces seeking to take control of the state.
The latest endorsement is therefore another indication that alliances and political calculations are still shifting until the final hours of the campaign.
For Governor Adeleke, the development represents an additional challenge as he seeks another term.
For Oyebamiji and the APC, however, the endorsement provides fresh political momentum at a crucial moment.
WHAT OSUN VOTERS SHOULD WATCH
As Saturday approaches, voters will be watching not only the endorsements coming from politicians and political groups, but also the issues that directly affect their lives — employment, education, infrastructure, healthcare, security, economic opportunities and the overall performance of government.
The real test comes on election day.
Will the latest Accord faction endorsement boost Oyebamiji's chances?
Or will Governor Adeleke's existing support base be strong enough to secure another term?
Osun voters will provide the answer at the polls on Saturday.
For now, one thing is clear: the political battle for Osun has entered its final and most intense phase.
Ibadan Radio will continue to bring you verified developments as Osun decides.