On Saturday, July 16, 2022, residents of Osun State, South West region of Nigeria will choose their next governor.
Ahead of the election, Arise Television and Channels Television organised debates for five out of the 15 candidates approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
These candidates considered top contenders are; Akin Ogunbiyi of (Accord Party), Adegboyega Oyetola, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yusuf Lasun of Labour Party (LP), Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Goke Omigbodun of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Akin Ogunbiyi
Mr Ogunbiyi, chairman of Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC, is running for governor under the Accord Party. He joined the Accord party after losing the PDP’s ticket to Mr Adeleke the second time.
The 59-year-old who is contesting with Jimoh Adekunle as his running mate believes he is best for the position with his goal to make the state economically sustainable.
Adegboyega Oyetola
Mr Oyetola, the incumbent governor of the state is seeking a second term under the APC with his deputy, Benedict Alabi, so “good governance” can continue.
The 67-year-old politician will be contesting against Mr Adeleke again, his closest rival in the 2018 election.
Despite being a former Chief of Staff to his predecessor, Rauf Aregbesola, their relationship seems to have gone sour. This, many believe, might influence his chances for a second term.
Yusuf Lasun
Mr Lasun, the candidate of the Labour Party, has served twice as a member of the House of Representatives and was the Deputy Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives.
The 61-year -old joined the Labour Party after he contested twice for the ticket of the ruling APC and did not get it. He is in this race with Adeola Atanda as his running mate.
Ademola Adeleke
Mr Adeleke who is in the race for the second time under the PDP was a senator representing the Osun-west senatorial district between 2017 and 2019.
The 61-year-old politician who was the closest contender to Mr Oyetola in 2018 contested the election result. A tribunal sitting in Abuja in 2019 declared Mr Adeleke winner of the election but this was countered by a Supreme Court judgement.
Mr Adeleke who is contesting this election with Adewusi Adegboega as his running mate has noted that the repair of major roads in Iwoland is a priority as this would ease the movement of people and goods as well as promote economic activities.
Goke Omigbodun
Mr Omigbodun, a teacher, architect, estate surveyor and politician, is running for governor under the platform of the SDP to “redeem” the state.
The 58-year-old who is the founder and principal consultant of Goke Omigbodun Associates in Osogbo, is in this race with Oni Adesoye as his running mate.
