In preparation for the gubernatorial elections scheduled for August 8, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the candidate listings for the various political parties. Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has decided to retain his current deputy as his running mate, indicating a stable continuation of their alliance going into the election. This move suggests that Adeleke is confident in their partnership and aims to leverage their established rapport among the electorate.

The announcement highlighted a competitive electoral landscape with notable candidates, including Bola Oyebamiji from the All Progressives Congress (APC), who has chosen Tunde Olatunji as his running mate. Olatunji previously served as a lawmaker in the Osun State House of Assembly, thus bringing political experience to the APC ticket. Additionally, the race features Adeagbo Yemisi as the only female candidate from the Action Democratic Party, alongside women chosen as running mates by two other parties, signaling an increasing presence of women in Nigerian politics.

With political dynamics shifting and more diverse candidates emerging, this election is pivotal for Osun State. The inclusion of a variety of candidates, including those representing smaller parties like the Boot Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, suggests a more fragmented political landscape that may affect traditional voting patterns. Voter sentiment will likely be influenced by the candidates’ affiliations and their perceived ability to address local issues, thus making the upcoming election a critical examination of the region's political landscape and the public's response to these shifts.