The political camp of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has been thrown into uncertainty following the release of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s final list of candidates for the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, which did not include the name of Adebayo Olugbenga Adedamola, popularly known as FRYO, who had emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2026 Osun governorship election.
INEC confirmed that both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) are absent from the list of political parties cleared to participate in the election.
In a statement issued on Sunday, INEC Public Affairs Officer in Osun State, Musa Olurode, speaking on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mutiu Agboke, disclosed that fourteen political parties successfully uploaded the names and required documents of their candidates within the stipulated timeframe.
According to the Commission, the submission followed the conclusion of party primaries and the closure of the designated portal for uploading candidates’ particulars.
The parties cleared to participate are: Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress (APC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
INEC stated that the list was released from its headquarters in Abuja after verification that all submissions met constitutional and regulatory requirements.
The publication was carried out in line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Item 4 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Osun State Governorship Election.
The Commission further stated that copies of each candidate’s Form EC9, academic credentials, and other supporting documents will be displayed at its state office and all local government offices across Osun State for public inspection.
The documents will be available from Monday, 16 February 2026, at the state office, the 30 local government area offices, and the Area Office in Osun State.
“The Commission hereby notifies political parties and the general public that fourteen political parties have successfully complied with the requirements within the stipulated timeframe,” the statement noted.
INEC advised stakeholders to inspect the published documents as provided by law and clarified that only the listed parties are eligible to contest the election, having fulfilled the necessary conditions within the prescribed period.
Meanwhile, Dr. Agboke reassured stakeholders of the Commission’s commitment to transparency and professionalism, stating that it remains firmly committed to conducting credible elections in line with the law and democratic best practices.
