Former Osun governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola has crossed party lines to back Bola Oyebamiji, the APC candidate for the 2026 Osun governorship election. A group of PDP members joined him in the move.
Oyebamiji shared the news on his verified X handle on Sunday, August 9, 2026. He called the backing a sign that people want change.
“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 for Governor of Osun state,” he posted.
He said the support goes beyond politics. It is about fairness and development for all.
“This endorsement is more than political support; it is a reflection of a shared conviction that Osun deserves a new direction, one founded on justice, fairness, inclusion and development that reaches every part of our state,” he added.
He made it clear that government must work for everyone. No one should be left out because of party, district, religion or community.
“Osun must move beyond one-sided politics and uneven development. Government must belong to everyone, regardless of political affiliation, senatorial district, religion or community. Every citizen deserves to feel the impact of government and every part of Osun deserves a fair opportunity to grow,” he said.
He accepted the endorsement “with humility and a deep sense of responsibility.”
“I welcome this support with humility and a deep sense of responsibility. Together, we can end the politics of division and build an Osun where justice is upheld, opportunities are created and development is felt across the board,” he wrote.
“The time for a new direction is now. Together, we will rebuild Osun and give our people the government they truly deserve,” Oyebamiji said.
The PDP endorsement, led by a former governor, shifts the landscape ahead of the August poll.
Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party has asked the UK to slap visa bans and economic sanctions on Gboyega Oyetola, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, Bola Oyebamiji and Wole Oke. He accused them of fueling political violence before the August 15 election. Adeleke made the request during a meeting with a British delegation in Osogbo, led by Wale Adebajo, a diplomatic liaison for the UK government.
