The 2026 governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states are shaping up to be a fierce three way contest as the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party trade claims of dominance, while the African Democratic Congress insists it is well positioned to make a major breakthrough.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed June 20, 2026 for the Ekiti governorship election, while Osun voters are expected to go to the polls on August 8, 2026. With the dates drawing closer, political parties have intensified verbal exchanges over who holds the advantage in the two South West states.
The PDP National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, said both Osun and Ekiti have historically been strong bases for the party, expressing confidence that PDP candidates would emerge victorious if the elections are free and fair.
According to him, residents of the two states and Nigerians generally are dissatisfied with the APC and are eager for a return of the PDP at both state and national levels.
Turaki said, “As you see, the two states, Osun and Ekiti, have always been strongholds of the PDP. They are yearning for the return of the PDP, and they will have what it takes.”
“PDP is now a very formidable party. People are yearning for the return of the party at the national level and across all states.”
He added that voters had experienced governance under both parties and could clearly see the difference. “In Osun State and in Ekiti State, they want the party to be in power.”
“We are sure that under a free, fair, and credible election, our candidates in these states will emerge victorious. Because people have now seen the difference between an APC government and a PDP government. They know that the PDP is better,” he said.
Turaki further stressed that the electorate was tired of the APC administration and was not interested in alternatives outside the PDP, noting that this gave his party strong optimism going into the polls.
On its part, the African Democratic Congress expressed confidence that it would perform strongly in both states, citing internal strength and growing support.
The ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, said the party’s structure in Osun and Ekiti was solid, particularly with the support of its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, who hails from Osun State.
Rufai said, “Yes, we are very strong in Osun and Ekiti. As you know, our National Secretary is from Osun, and the party is so strong that it stands on its ground.”
“Even the incumbent governor wanted to join the party. Because of the strong support base we have and the opportunities we see, we maintain our party stands.”
He noted that dissatisfaction with APC policies at the national level was working in the ADC’s favour.
According to him, many Nigerians are frustrated by what he described as inhuman policies and excessive borrowing that has not translated into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
“Nigerians are tired of the APC. And that is a well known fact. The inhuman policies that the government is introducing, also the unwanted borrowing by the government that is not yielding benefits for the right citizens, are factors that work to our advantage.”
“So, we are very hopeful,” Rufai said, adding that the party was confident of winning or recording a strong showing in both states.
The APC, however, dismissed the claims by both opposition parties, insisting it remains firmly in control and is on course to retain Ekiti while reclaiming Osun.
The APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, questioned the basis on which the PDP and ADC believe they can defeat the ruling party.
Ibrahim said, “What is their yardstick for saying Nigerians reject our party when they are actually leaving their own parties? What is the yardstick for saying that they are going to beat our party when they are being beaten?”
He argued that Nigerians are rational in their political choices and would not be swayed by what he described as empty claims.
According to him, the APC’s strategy of working quietly and focusing on governance has continued to increase its acceptance across the states.
“Nigerians are not fools. They use reasoning to arrive at any decision they make. APC will win those states, retain Ekiti, and win Osun. All the indices on the ground are showing increased acceptance,” Ibrahim said.
