Flood of ideas as candidates present programmes at Osun 2026 Governorship Town Hall

By Isa Isawade

Candidates contesting the August 15, 2026 Governorship Election in Osun State gathered at the Arise TV News Osun 2026 Governorship Town Hall, held Tuesday at the Aurora Events Center, Osogbo, to present their programmes and manifestoes.

Moderated by renowned journalist and former presidential aide, Dr. Ruben Abati, the session featured a panel comprising Dr. Lasisi Olagunju, Dr. Festus Adebayo, Mrs. Titilope Ajiboye, and Mr. Fasuba. Questions focused on the economy, job creation, infrastructure, agriculture, security, and governance. Candidates appeared one after another to field questions from both panelists and the audience.

A cross section of the audience at the Town Hall

Governor Ademola Adeleke (Accord Party)
The incumbent governor opened the floor, highlighting achievements in infrastructure, including road and bridge projects across the state, such as the dualised road leading to the Ooni of Ife’s palace and works in Ila-Orangun. He cited improvements in human development, healthcare, and education, noting Osun’s rise from 33rd to 7th position in WAEC and NECO rankings.

On agriculture, Adeleke pointed to the procurement of tractors and equipment for farmers. He dismissed opposition claims of poor-quality projects and lopsided development concentrated in his hometown, Ede, insisting that projects were widely distributed. “As a true son of Ede, I must take care of my place too because I’m not a bastard,” he added.

Bola Oyebamiji (All Progressives Congress)

Oyebamiji (left) with panelists on the programme

APC candidate Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (popularly known as AMBO) countered Adeleke’s claims, describing his administration as “inept and clueless.” He alleged that over 90% of Adeleke’s infrastructure projects were concentrated in just two local government areas and criticised their poor execution.

“Governance is about people. It’s not about segments. It’s not about an area. It’s about the entirety of the Osun people. One, you can see that the welfare of our people in Osun is very paramount. Security is very important. These are the things I want to bring on board. I want to tackle hunger and poverty. I want to invest seriously on agriculture, education and health. Apart from that, our human asset is very important to us. I am going to invest in the human asset. We are going to take care of their welfare. Human development is very important. Capital development is very important. These are the core things that I am bringing on board,” he said.

Oyebamiji pledged to tackle hunger and poverty, revamp education and healthcare, and launch an economic blueprint to make Osun a hub of investment. He emphasised his grassroots consultations, claiming endorsements from over 42 groups, including artisans, market associations, and civil servants.

“I have visited twenty plus one local government areas of Osun three times. Nobody has ever done that. And the response has been overwhelming. Everybody said that they were ready to dislodge this government that is doing nothing and ready to enthrone good governance. I have to go round again. We appointed twenty canvassers from each unit. I had to go round the local governments to inaugurate the canvassers. They were charged. They were motivated and they were encouraged. You can see that our people are ready to take government from the dancing governor.
After that, I consulted with the kabiyesis, the community leaders, the artisans, the iyalojas, the babalojas and even the civil servants. I became convinced beyond reasonable doubt that our people in Osun are ready for a change. By the special grace of God, I am coming in as the governor of Osun, come 15th of August 2026. It’s not by any national power, not by federal might. It’s by the people. In the last two weeks, I have been endorsed by almost 42 sectors and groups. The private enterprises and even the civil servants have endorsed me. Just yesterday, I was with the NURTW, the Ajegunle Spare parts Market people and so many others. The women, men, youths and all other groups of people endorsed Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji to take over the government of Osun State,” he boasted.

On accusations of complicity in the “half salary” era, Oyebamiji recounted his role in securing ₦16 billion from the federal government during Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s tenure, which enabled full salary payments. He also blamed Adeleke’s camp for rising election-related violence, a charge Adeleke had earlier leveled against the APC.

Olajide Esan (African Action Congress)

Esan (left) and the panelists

AAC candidate Olajide Esan dismissed both major contenders as “selfish politicians without conscience.” He argued that governance must return to the people, stressing youth empowerment and accountability as his priorities. Esan maintained that Osun’s potential had been stifled by misgovernance and exploitation of crises by past leaders.

Dr. Najeem Salaam (African Democratic Congress)

Najeem (left) on the programme with panelists

ADC candidate Dr. Najeem Salaam, a two-term Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, pledged to correct past mistakes while building on positive policies. He expressed confidence that his long-standing, blemish-free political career would earn him victory in the August 15 election.