Osun 2026: Ex-APP Candidate Ekundayo Backs Adeleke’s Second-Term Bid – Youth Mobilization Boosts PDP Hopes
In a surprising twist that’s energizing Osun’s political scene, a former Action Peoples Party (APP) governorship hopeful has thrown his weight behind Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election campaign, signaling a potential cross-party surge for the PDP ahead of the August 2026 polls. Dr. Ademola Ekundayo, the ex-APP flagbearer, pledged full mobilization of his supporters, spotlighting Adeleke’s youth-focused governance as the game-changer.
The endorsement came during a high-energy gathering in Osogbo on November 12, 2025, where Ekundayo met with leaders from the Not Too Young To Run (NTYTR) movement. This youth advocacy group, known for pushing generational shifts in Nigerian politics, was in town to drum up backing for Adeleke’s second-term bid. Ekundayo, who ran under the APP banner in the contentious 2018 governorship race, didn’t hold back: “Governor Adeleke’s programmes and policies since he assumed office have placed him high,” he declared, directing his followers across Osun’s 30 local government areas to rally behind the incumbent, regardless of party lines. It’s a move that’s rippling through the state’s political circles, where youth mobilization, PDP endorsements, and Osun guber 2026 are the hottest buzzwords fueling debates on social media and street corners.
Ekundayo’s backstory adds layers to this alliance. Back in 2018, he vied for the governorship on the APP platform, a smaller opposition outfit that challenged the dominant PDP and APC in Osun’s fiercely contested arena. That election was a nail-biter: PDP’s Ademola Adeleke initially edged out APC’s Gboyega Oyetola, only for courts to flip the script in Oyetola’s favor after a grueling legal battle. Ekundayo faced his own rough patches, including violent attacks during the rerun in key local governments, yet he emerged resilient, vowing never to waver in his dedication to Osun’s growth. Fast-forward to today, and he’s not angling for a cabinet seat or favors—just genuine admiration for Adeleke’s track record. “I did not lobby for any appointment under this administration and have continued to support quietly,” Ekundayo emphasized, underscoring his independence.
Governor Adeleke, a 65-year-old businessman-turned-politico from the influential Adeleke family, has been riding high since reclaiming the Osun State House in 2022. His upset victory over Oyetola—despite federal muscle from the then-ruling APC—cemented his rep as a people’s champion. Sworn in amid fanfare at Osogbo Stadium, Adeleke hit the ground running with a five-point agenda: education overhaul, health upgrades, infrastructure blitz, economic empowerment, and youth inclusion. Highlights include clearing salary backlogs from the prior regime, disbursing gratuities to retirees, and launching free school meals that feed thousands of kids daily. On the youth front, initiatives like digital skills hubs and the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme have created jobs and sparked startups, directly addressing the frustrations of a demographic that makes up over 60% of the state’s 5.7 million residents.
This isn’t isolated hype—it’s part of a snowballing wave of support for Adeleke’s second term. Just last May, Osun lawmakers, including a bipartisan nod from one APC member, passed a resounding vote of confidence during the governor’s birthday bash. Labor unions followed suit in early May, packing Osogbo City Stadium to declare “no vacancy until 2030,” praising prompt wage payments amid Nigeria’s inflation woes. Osun West PDP elders echoed the sentiment in April, crediting Adeleke’s “responsive leadership” for dividends like road rehabilitations and healthcare access. Even Adeleke himself, fresh from screening before the PDP panel in Abuja last October, boasted: “Nobody can defeat me—I’ve earned the goodwill.” With primaries looming between November 24 and December 15, 2025, these endorsements are stacking the deck for a smooth PDP ticket.
Political analysts see Ekundayo’s pivot as a masterstroke for unity in a fragmented opposition landscape. Dr. Funmi Ogunleye, a lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University, called it “a pragmatic bridge-building exercise.” She noted that APP’s niche appeal among disaffected voters could siphon votes from APC rivals, especially with Oyetola eyeing a comeback. “In Osun, where elections swing on youth turnout and economic gripes, this mobilization could tip scales,” Ogunleye told reporters. NTYTR’s national coordinator, Hon. Samuel Ogundairo, beamed post-meeting: “Adeleke’s performance is a compelling reason for our rally—youths see a leader who listens.” The event drew a crowd of Ekundayo’s loyalists and youth reps from across the state, blending APP die-hards with PDP foot soldiers in a show of rare harmony.
On X, the reaction has been electric, amplifying the youth mobilization narrative. Posts from @westngnews hailed Ekundayo’s vow to “mobilise statewide,” racking up shares with captions like “PDP’s secret weapon unlocked!” Users buzzed with memes of Adeleke dancing—his viral “Imole” campaign hallmark—tied to hashtags #Adeleke2026 and #OsunGuber2026. One thread from a youth activist read: “From APP to Adeleke: Proof governance trumps party loyalty. Who’s next?” It sparked debates on defection trends, with over 200 replies debating PDP endorsements’ impact. Critics, though, grumbled about “opportunism,” but the positivity drowned them out, with likes pouring in for calls to “vote performance over propaganda.”
For everyday Osun indigenes—from Ife market traders to Ede factory workers—this endorsement resonates deeply. In a state battered by post-COVID economic dips and naira volatility, Adeleke’s welfare wins have eased burdens: think subsidized farming inputs boosting yam yields or solar-powered clinics cutting travel times for rural moms. Youths, hit hardest by unemployment at 40%, view Ekundayo’s support as a beacon—more skills programs could mean fewer japa dreams (that mass youth emigration wave). Politically, it undercuts APC’s narrative of PDP disarray, potentially stabilizing zoning talks and curbing violence risks in a region scarred by 2018 clashes. Economically, a seamless re-election could unlock federal aid for Osun’s agro-potential, from cocoa exports to tech parks, lifting a GDP that’s lagged national averages.
As the dust settles from the Osogbo meetup, Ekundayo’s commitment feels like momentum incarnate. With the NTYTR’s grassroots push and his APP network firing on all cylinders, Adeleke’s camp is buzzing. X chatter continues to trend, with users dissecting how this youth mobilization could redefine Osun guber 2026.
In summing up, Ekundayo’s declaration marks a pivotal endorsement in Adeleke’s march toward 2026, blending cross-party appeal with youth energy for a stronger PDP front. As primaries heat up, expect more alliances to form, setting the stage for a fiercely contested race that could reshape Osun’s political future.
By Sam Michael
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