Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has expressed confidence in winning the August 8, 2026, governorship election, declaring that his popularity and performance will guarantee his re-election.

Speaking with journalists on Thursday after his screening at the National Campaign Organisation Committee (NCOC) Secretariat in Maitama, Abuja, Adeleke said he had performed “wonderfully well” and was confident that the people of Osun would return him for a second term.

The governor, who was screened and cleared by the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the party’s Legacy House in Abuja ahead of the 2026 primary election, said his achievements in office had endeared him to the electorate.

“It is because I have performed wonderfully well. There is something called fact-checking; as journalists, you should fact-check, and you will discover that I have done so well. My people are happy with me, and that is why they want me to continue,” he said.

On whether he feared the influence of the ‘federal might’ of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Adeleke dismissed such concerns, insisting that his popularity was enough to secure victory.

“I am very popular. Everywhere you go, you hear people call me Imole — say Imole! So, I am not afraid of federal might. The President knows my election comes before the general elections, and he will not want to mess anything up,” the governor stated confidently.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties in Osun State against violating electoral laws ahead of their forthcoming primaries, urging strict adherence to the timetable and regulations guiding the 2026 governorship election in the state.

Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, gave the warning during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Olusegun Agbaje Media Centre, Osogbo.

Agboke reminded political parties that, according to the election timetable, party primaries must be held between November 24 and December 15, 2025, in line with Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates political parties to democratically nominate their candidates.

“We appeal to political parties in the state to allow internal democracy to guide their conduct.

“Free and fair elections begin with how parties conduct their primaries. A rancour-free process will not only reduce pre-election litigations but also strengthen the party’s unity and the legitimacy of candidates,” Agboke said.

The REC emphasised that campaign activities have not commenced, warning that any political party or candidate engaging in premature campaigns would be violating the law.