In preparation for the 2026 Osun State governorship elections, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has selected Benjamin Adereti, the party's candidate for the Ife Federal Constituency in the failed 2023 election, as his running mate. This strategic choice signals a shift in Oyebamiji's campaign strategy following the loss experienced in the previous electoral cycle to Bimbo Ajilesoro of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Adereti replaces Tunde Olatunji, whose name appeared on an earlier INEC list.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been active in finalizing candidate lists ahead of the elections, with significant developments such as Najeem Salaam, a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, announcing his candidacy for the governorship race on the African Democratic Congress platform along with his chosen running mate, Yemisi Agiri. This adds another layer of competition as these political figures strategize for a groundbreaking electoral contest in Osun State.

Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke has retained his deputy, Kola Adewusi, signaling the desire for continuity and stability within the present administration. The final list of candidates and their running mates will have crucial implications for the political landscape in Osun State, as each party gears up for a battle that will significantly influence the region's governance for the coming years.