Former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has thrown his weight behind the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Akinade Adebayo, ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
Oyinlola announced his support during a meeting with the party’s governorship candidate and its prospective National and State Assembly candidates at his residence in Okuku, Osun State, where he emphasized the need for strategic collaboration among opposition forces ahead of the 2026 and 2027 elections.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the former governor described the emerging alliance between the APM and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to him as a political movement aimed at capturing power in future elections.
According to Oyinlola, the alliance is focused on building a broad-based political platform capable of providing what he described as effective leadership and governance for the people of Osun State.
He stressed the importance of early preparations, noting that political parties and their candidates must begin grassroots mobilization and strategic planning well ahead of the electoral cycle if they hope to achieve success at the polls.
The endorsement is expected to boost Adebayo’s campaign as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the governorship contest. Adebayo, who has been engaging stakeholders across the state, expressed appreciation for Oyinlola’s support and pledged to work with party members and allies to advance the party’s electoral objectives.
Political observers say Oyinlola’s backing could reshape the dynamics of the Osun governorship race, given his longstanding influence in the state’s political landscape and his network of supporters across several local government areas.
The development also highlights ongoing realignments within Osun politics, where alliances and defections continue to play a significant role in determining electoral outcomes.
While the ruling party and other opposition groups have yet to officially respond to the endorsement, analysts believe the move signals an effort by opposition figures to consolidate support ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive governorship election.
As preparations for the 2026 governorship poll gather momentum, stakeholders are expected to intensify consultations, coalition-building efforts and grassroots engagement in a bid to secure voter support across the state.
