Osun 2026: Ogunbiyi Declares Governorship Ambition, Says He’s Not Afraid If Adeleke Defects To APC

By Tosin Olasunkanmi, Osogbo

A former Accord Party Governorship Candidate, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, has declared his intention to run for the 2026 Osun State governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he is not intimidated by the rumoured defection of incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Ogunbiyi made the declaration on Thursday, June 10, at the APC Secretariat in Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo, where he was received by the state party chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Lawal, alongside supporters and APC stakeholders from across the state.

Speaking, the APC Chieftain said: “I am not afraid of Governor Ademola Adeleke,”

Ogunbiyi further said. “My chances are very high, and today’s turnout is proof of the overwhelming support I enjoy across Osun State. People came from every local government to declare their support. I don’t need to prove my name again.”

He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and highlighted the APC’s achievements in security and grassroots development as reasons for seeking to replicate such progress in Osun.

“Our leader, President Tinubu, has made security a top priority and people are seeing results. That’s the type of leadership Osun needs,” he stated.

Ogunbiyi called for unity within the party and urged members to prioritise APC’s success over individual ambitions ahead of 2026. “We are one family in APC. Our mission is to reclaim Osun and deliver good governance,” he said.

The declaration also saw notable defections from the PDP to the APC. According to APC state secretary, Kamorudeen Alao, prominent among the defectors was Alhaji Adediran from Alajue Ward 4 in Ede, who joined alongside others to back Ogunbiyi’s bid.

Ogunbiyi called for prayers and support for President Tinubu and APC leadership, pledging that a united APC will usher in a new era for Osun State.