Adeleke Ditches PDP for Accord as INEC Releases Final Candidates’ List

The political landscape in Osun State has shifted gears as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the final list of candidates for the August 15, 2026, governorship election. The announcement has sparked conversations across the state, featuring last-minute substitutions and unexpected party realignments.

In a significant move, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, has officially named Benjamin Adereti as his running mate. Adereti, a former House of Representatives aspirant, replaces Tunde Olatunji on the INEC roster.

Perhaps the most startling revelation is incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke’s platform. Adeleke will be seeking re-election under the Accord Party flag rather than the PDP, maintaining Kola Adewusi as his deputy.

One of the biggest talking points from the March 4th dispatch, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, is the absence of two major players. Both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) are notably missing from the list of 14 cleared political parties, leaving supporters and analysts questioning the future of these platforms in the upcoming cycle.

“The approved timetable… has the 9th day of March, 2026, as the last day for publication of the final list,” the INEC memo stated, signaling that the stage is now officially set for the August polls.

With the APC refreshing its ticket and the incumbent Governor migrating to a new party, the 2026 race is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in the state’s history. The infusion of younger running mates—such as the NNPP’s 36-year-old Adesola—also suggests a tactical play for the youth vote.