APC Loses Osun Governorship, But Tinubu Scores Political Gain as Accord Backs His 2027 Presidential Bid

The outcome of the 2026 Osun State governorship election may have delivered mixed fortunes for the All Progressives Congress (APC). While the party appears to have fallen short in its bid to reclaim the state from Governor Ademola Adeleke, President Bola Tinubu may have emerged with an important political advantage ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, who contested under the Accord Party, won in 19 of the 30 local government areas in Saturday’s poll, while the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, secured victory in 11 councils. Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had yet to officially declare the final result at the time of reporting, figures from across the state showed Adeleke maintaining a clear lead.

Adeleke Dominates 19 LGAs

Adeleke recorded strong victories in key areas, including Ede North, Ede South, Osogbo, Ife East, Iwo and Oriade, demonstrating significant grassroots support.

In Ede North, the governor polled 35,427 votes against APC’s 10,283, while in Ede South, he secured 26,188 votes compared to Oyebamiji’s 6,219.

He also posted impressive margins in Osogbo, where he scored 36,480 votes against APC’s 30,474, and in Ife East, where he polled 27,201 votes to defeat APC’s 18,600.

The Accord candidate further won in Ifelodun, Iwo, Ila, Egbedore, Ayedaade and several other councils, giving him victories in 19 LGAs overall.

APC Holds Strongholds

Despite the setback, the APC maintained dominance in 11 local government areas, including Ilesa East, Boripe, Irepodun, Obokun, Irewole and Olorunda.

One of the party’s strongest performances came in Irewole, where Oyebamiji secured 29,972 votes against Adeleke’s 10,934.

The APC also recorded narrow victories in Isokan, Olaoluwa and Ife South, reflecting that the party still retains a significant support base across parts of Osun State.

Tinubu’s Strategic Gain

Beyond the governorship contest, political observers believe President Bola Tinubu may have secured a strategic advantage ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

This follows the declaration by the Accord Party leadership in Osun State endorsing Tinubu as its preferred presidential candidate, despite the party’s victory in the governorship race.

The development suggests that while voters in Osun may have chosen Adeleke for state leadership, support for Tinubu at the national level could remain intact, creating an unusual political arrangement in which a state governed by one party may still back a different party’s presidential candidate.

What Does It Mean for 2027?

The Osun election outcome highlights an emerging trend in Nigerian politics, where voters increasingly separate local governance from national politics.

For the APC, losing the governorship would represent a disappointment after an intense campaign involving top party leaders and governors.

For President Tinubu, however, the endorsement from Accord could provide an opening to expand his support base beyond traditional APC structures as preparations for the 2027 presidential race gradually begin.