A chieftain of the Imole Grassroots Mobilisation Network, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has dismissed as “laughable and empty” claims by the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, that he faces no serious challenge ahead of the August 8, 2026 election.
Oyebamiji, speaking in Osogbo on Sunday, described the forthcoming contest as a “penalty kick” already awarded in the APC’s favour, insisting that he had no real opponent in the race.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Olajengbesi, an ally of 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 voters in Osun State, not by rhetoric from party candidates.
“It is concerning for a first-time contestant to dismiss the chances of an incumbent seeking re-election,” Olajengbesi said, warning that “pride goes before a fall”.
He argued that Oyebamiji’s comments reflected inexperience, adding that affiliation with the APC and former governor Gboyega Oyetola should not be mistaken for electoral advantage. Olajengbesi recalled that Adeleke defeated Oyetola in the 2022 governorship election, despite the former governor enjoying the backing of the ruling party at the federal level.
“Oyetola had federal might by his side yet lost. Politics is local,” he said.
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Olajengbesi also insisted that Adeleke’s prospects in 2026 remain intact, notwithstanding his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party. 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, could defeat an incumbent governor in 2022, defeating political greenhorns in 2026 will come cheap,” he said.
Olajengbesi, who is seeking election to represent Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, maintained that the “political numbers” favour Adeleke. He attributed the governor’s continued popularity to what he described as a robust grassroots base that rivals envy.
“Politics is local and the people of Osun State have spoken loud and clear of their love and support for Governor Ademola Adeleke,” he added.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 8, 2026, with both major parties already intensifying political messaging as the contest approaches.
