19,000 Votes Apart: Adeleke, Oyebamiji Battle for Osun as Final Results Loom

The battle for the Osun State governorship remains tight as collation of results enters its final stage, with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke maintaining an early lead over the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

Results from 303 of the 332 wards across the state’s 30 local government areas show Adeleke of the Accord Party leading with 177,572 votes, representing 50.5 per cent, while Oyebamiji has polled 158,588 votes, representing 45.1 per cent. The difference between the two leading candidates stands at 18,984 votes.
The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, is in third position with 5,917 votes.
So far, the figures released indicate 845,100 registered voters, with 361,500 accredited voters and a 42.8 per cent turnout. A total of 351,500 votes have been recorded as valid, while 7,200 ballots were rejected. Results from 43.41 per cent of polling units have so far been reported.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says collation is in its final stages, with the remaining results expected to determine the final outcome.
The election is particularly significant for Adeleke, who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) months ago and joined the Accord Party. INEC cleared 14 political parties to participate in the contest after the PDP and Labour Party failed to field candidates.
Adeleke is contesting with Kola Adenusi as his running mate, while Oyebamiji is paired with Benjamin Adereti. Oyebamiji is a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority.
The stakes remain high, as victory would strengthen Adeleke’s decision to defect to the Accord Party, while a loss could return Osun State to the APC.
Attention is now focused on the state collation centre in Osogbo, where INEC’s Returning Officer is expected to declare the final result after the remaining 29 wards submit their results.
With fewer than 19,000 votes separating the two leading candidates, party agents are closely monitoring every result sheet, figure and calculation.
Osun has voted, and the state now awaits the final declaration that will determine who governs the state for the next four years.