The landscape of the upcoming Osun State governorship election has been dramatically reshaped following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) release of the final candidate list on Thursday. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the political establishment, the two major opposition platforms—the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP)—are officially excluded from the August 8, 2026, contest.
While the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and 13 other parties successfully navigated the commission’s rigorous vetting process, the absence of the PDP and LP leaves a significant vacuum in what was expected to be a multi-horse race.
According to a statement issued by Musa Olurode, the INEC Public Relations Officer in Osun, the 14 parties cleared for the poll include:
- APC, Accord, and NNPP
- AA, AAC, ADC, and ADP
- APGA, APM, and APP
- BP, PRP, YPP, and ZLP
The exclusion of the missing heavyweights appears to be a direct consequence of failing to meet administrative deadlines. Olurode clarified that the publication aligns strictly with the established election timetable and schedule of activities. He recalled a previous briefing where it was noted that only these 14 parties had successfully concluded their primaries and uploaded the necessary particulars of their candidates and running mates to the INEC portal within the stipulated timeframe.
With the “Big Two” opposition parties sidelined, the August 8 election now presents a unique opportunity for smaller parties to challenge the APC’s dominance in the state. As it stands, the 14 cleared candidates will now move into the final phase of campaigning, officially recognized as the only contenders in the race for the Osun State Government House.
