Former Osun State Governor, Prince  Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and ex-Deputy Governor, Iyiola Omisore, have declared their support for Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Oyinlola, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the announcement alongside Omisore, noting that the state requires a shift in leadership direction.

“In this particular moment, Osun State requires a different direction. It is on this basis that we have resolved to officially declare our support for Mr Bola Oyebamiji,” Oyinlola said.

Reacting to the endorsement, Oyebamiji described the move as a strong indication of a shared belief that Osun needs a fresh path anchored on justice, fairness, inclusion and development.

“I am deeply honoured by the decision of members of the PDP in Osun State, led by former Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, to endorse my candidacy,” he said.

“This endorsement is more than political support; it reflects a shared conviction that Osun deserves a new direction—one founded on justice, fairness, inclusion and development that reaches every part of our state.”

The APC campaign council welcomed the development, describing it as a significant boost ahead of the polls.

According to the council, several political figures across party lines have also thrown their weight behind Oyebamiji, including former senator Olasunkanmi Akinlabi, former Secretary to the State Government Fatai Akinbade and former PDP National Vice-Chairman Tajudeen Oladipo.

The council noted that the growing endorsements suggest the election is “no longer about partisan politics alone” but about the broader need for a new direction in the state.

Oyinlola, who governed Osun between 2003 and 2010, had supported the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, during the 2022 election. However, he has recently become critical of the administration, accusing it of failing to deliver on its campaign promises.

He was also quoted as describing the current administration as a “voodoo government,” alleging that its policies and financial dealings lack transparency.

Oyebamiji, outlining his vision, pledged inclusive governance that cuts across political, religious and regional divides.

“Every citizen deserves to feel the impact of government, and every part of Osun deserves a fair opportunity to grow,” he said.

The APC candidate is campaigning on a seven-point prosperity agenda focused on education, healthcare, agriculture, youth and women empowerment, wealth creation and industrialisation. He also promised to prioritise transparency, accountability and equitable distribution of resources.

The Osun State governorship election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 15, 2026.