The forthcoming Osun State gubernatorial election is set for a photo finish after 14 prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) announced their intention to challenge incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Aspirants include Otunba Christopher Iyiola Omisore, Hon. Bola Oyebamiji, Omooba Dotun Babayemi, Professor Rafiu Durodoye, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, and Hon. Benedict Adegboyega Alabi. Others include Senators Babajide Omoworare and Mudashiru Hussain, Hon. Kunle Rasheed Adegoke, Mr. Babatunde Oralusi, and Dr. Peter Babalola.

Candidates from the Osun West Senatorial District include Oyebanji, Alabi, Ogunbiyi, Hussain, Babayemi, and Babalola, while Omisore, Oralusi, and Omoworare are from the East, and Adegoke and Durodoye represent the Osun Central District.

All aspirants are hopeful about their chances in the December primary. The ruling PDP dismissed them as minor politicians. PDP chairman Hon. Sunday Bisi stated that Adeleke’s performance will resonate with voters, as the governor has positively impacted many lives in the state.

In contrast, APC chairman Sooko Tajudeen remains confident that his party will win the governorship election, urging candidates to engage grassroots support and work together for unity. Professor Rafiu Durodoye was the first to declare his candidacy on June 3, 2025, followed by Omisore on October 8, 2025.

Omisore expressed confidence in securing 90 percent of the votes, while Babayemi reported covering 200 of the 322 state wards, emphasising his grassroots appeal.

Bola Oyebanji, a former state finance commissioner and current managing director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, aims to use his skills to boost the economy and anticipates winning the party ticket in December.