The contest for the 2026 governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states is intensifying, with the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) all expressing confidence ahead of the polls.
While the APC and PDP trade claims over their electoral strength, the ADC says it is well-positioned to make a major breakthrough in both states.
Speaking to Sunday PUNCH, PDP National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, described Osun and Ekiti as traditional strongholds of the party, expressing optimism that the PDP would emerge victorious in both elections.
According to Turaki, residents of the two states are dissatisfied with the APC and eager for a return to PDP leadership at both the state and federal levels.
He said the PDP has become more formidable and believes that under a free, fair, and credible electoral process, its candidates would defeat the APC, noting that voters have experienced governance under both parties and prefer the PDP.
On his part, ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, said the party is gaining momentum in Osun and Ekiti, especially with the support of its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, who hails from Osun State.
Rufai stated that the ADC enjoys a strong grassroots base and is confident of either winning or posting strong performances in both states, attributing its optimism to what he described as public frustration with APC policies and governance style.
He also criticised the APC over economic policies and government borrowing, which he claimed have not benefited ordinary Nigerians.
Reacting, APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the claims by the PDP and ADC, insisting that neither party has the structure or popular support to defeat the APC.
Ibrahim said Nigerians are rational voters who would judge parties based on performance, adding that the APC remains confident of retaining Ekiti State and reclaiming Osun.
He maintained that the ruling party continues to gain acceptance across the country and accused opposition parties of internal crises and declining relevance.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the Ekiti governorship election for June 20, 2026, while Osun State will go to the polls on August 8, 2026.
