A chieftain of the Imole Grassroots Mobilization Network, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has dismissed as “ridiculous and empty” claims by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, that he has no serious challenger ahead of the August 8, 2026 election.
Speaking in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyebamiji described the upcoming contest as a “penalty kick” already given in favor of the APC, insisting he had no real rival in the race.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Olazengbesi, an aide to Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking re-election, said such confidence was misplaced and ignored political realities on the ground. He said the outcome of the election would ultimately be determined by the voters of Osun State and not by the rhetoric of party candidates.
“It is worrying to dismiss the chances of a first-time candidate running for re-election,” Olajengbesi warned.
He argued that Oyebamiji's comments reflected inexperience, adding that affiliation with the APC and former Governor Gboyega Oyetola should not be misconstrued for electoral gain. Olajengbesi recalled that despite the former governor enjoying the support of the ruling party at the federal level, Adeleke had defeated Oyetola in the 2022 governorship election.
“Oyetola had federal power and yet he lost. Politics is local,” he said.
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Olajengbesi also stressed that despite his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party, Adeleke's chances in 2026 remain intact. According to him, the governor's political strength lies in his grassroots support rather than his party label.
“If Adeleke, with the support of the people of Osun, can defeat the incumbent governor in 2022, it will be cheaper to defeat the political greenhorn in 2026,” he said.
Olajengbesi, who is seeking election to represent Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, said the “political numbers” are in favor of Adeleke. He attributed the governor's continued popularity to a strong grassroots base that rivals envy.
“Politics is local and the people of Osun State have spoken loud and clear about their love and support for Governor Ademola Adeleke,” he said.
With the Osun governorship election scheduled for August 8, 2026, both major parties are already sharpening political messages as the contest draws closer.
