The outcome of the August 15 Osun State governorship election has moved into the courtroom, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have separately challenged the declaration of Governor Ademola Adeleke as winner.
The two parties have lodged petitions before the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Osogbo.
The petitions, dated September 5, 2026, were formally posted on the notice board of the tribunal’s secretariat on Monday, signalling the commencement of the legal process arising from the election.
The development paves the way for the tribunal to consider the grievances raised by the parties and determine whether the result declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be upheld.
APC Candidate Challenges Adeleke’s Victory
The first petition was filed by the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
Registered as EPT/OS/GOV/01/2026, the suit names Governor Adeleke, the Accord Party and INEC as respondents.
Oyebamiji is challenging the result of the election in which Adeleke was declared victorious, seeking judicial intervention over the outcome.
The second petition was filed by Adebayo Olugbenga Adedamola on behalf of the PDP.
The case, numbered EPT/OS/GOV/02/2026, lists Adeleke, INEC and the Accord Party as respondents.
Tribunal Sets Stage for Hearing
The Secretary of the tribunal, Pefe Belemore, confirmed that petitions had been received in connection with the governorship election.
Activities at the tribunal complex in Osogbo on Monday focused on preparations for the commencement of proceedings.
With the petitions now filed, the cases are expected to progress through the prescribed electoral litigation process, including service of the relevant documents on the respondents and subsequent scheduling of proceedings.
Officials of the Accord Party and members of its legal team were also present at the tribunal premises.
Adeleke Won With 511,067 Votes
Adeleke emerged victorious in the August 15 election, securing 511,067 votes to retain the governorship for another term.
Oyebamiji, the APC candidate, polled 444,815 votes to finish in second place.
The figures gave Adeleke a winning margin of 66,252 votes over his closest challenger.
The tribunal will now be required to consider the issues raised in the separate petitions and determine the validity of the complaints presented by the petitioners.
The cases mark the beginning of what could become a prolonged legal contest over the Osun governorship result, with the parties expected to present evidence and arguments in support of their respective positions as the proceedings unfold.
