A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State associated with former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and former national chairman of the party, Taminu Turaki, has declared its support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The development represents a significant shift in the political calculations ahead of the poll, particularly given Oyinlola’s longstanding influence within the state’s political landscape.
The PDP group, which has been operating separately from the faction aligned with Governor Ademola Adeleke, reportedly reached the decision after consultations among its leaders and stakeholders.
Speaking during a meeting with Oyebamiji and other APC stakeholders, Oyinlola said the decision was motivated by what the group considered to be the broader interest of Osun State.
The former governor, however, maintained that members of the group remain members of the PDP despite their decision to support the APC candidate.
According to him, the political alignment was not necessarily an indication that the members had abandoned their party, but rather a decision taken in consideration of the state’s interests.
The endorsement is expected to add another layer to an already competitive governorship contest, with the APC seeking to unseat the incumbent administration.
Political realignment ahead of the election
The latest development comes amid continuing political realignments in Osun State as major parties and political blocs intensify efforts to consolidate their support ahead of the election.
Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, is the candidate of the APC and has received the backing of several prominent figures within and outside the party, including former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and other APC stakeholders.
The APC candidate is also expected to benefit from the party’s existing political structure across the state.
For the Oyinlola-led PDP group, the decision to support Oyebamiji further alters the political landscape in the state, where the PDP has traditionally maintained a strong presence.
The development also comes against the background of the crisis that has continued to affect the PDP at the national and state levels.
Impact on Adeleke’s re-election bid
The endorsement could have implications for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s campaign, particularly because some of the individuals associated with the Oyinlola-led political structure have historically played important roles in Osun politics.
Adeleke, who is seeking another term in office, is contesting on the platform of the Accord Party following the political developments that affected the PDP ahead of the election.
His administration has continued to rely on its record in office and grassroots mobilisation as major campaign strengths.
However, the movement of influential political figures and structures between competing camps has made the race increasingly difficult to predict.
Oyinlola’s position
Oyinlola’s decision is particularly notable because of his history within the PDP and his previous role as governor of Osun State.
The former governor has remained an influential figure in the state’s political circles, and his latest position is expected to generate further discussions about the direction of PDP-aligned political structures ahead of the election.
The endorsement also highlights the extent to which political affiliations are being reshaped in the build-up to the August 15 poll.
With the election approaching, the major contenders are expected to intensify consultations and mobilisation across the state’s 30 local government areas.
The Osun governorship election is therefore shaping up as a contest not only between political parties but also between competing political structures, personalities and alliances.
The election is scheduled for August 15, 2026.
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