A new opinion poll has positioned former Deputy Governor of the State of the Living Spring, Osun, Benedict Alabi (BOA), ahead of other contenders as the preferred choice within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to challenge Governor Ademola Adeleke in the 2026 governorship election.
The poll, carried out by Brilliance and Purposeful Foundation between September 21 and October 13, 2025, indicates that Alabi commands the broadest backing both within his party and among the general electorate.
The report, released by Michael Ukandu, shows that Alabi secured 24 percent of support among APC stakeholders, surpassing Ashiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (Ambo), who polled 21 percent, and Senator Iyiola Omisore with 19 percent. Other contenders, including Babajide Omoworare and Dotun Babayemi, trailed with less than 15 percent.
In a simulated direct contest with Governor Adeleke, Alabi reportedly enjoyed 56 percent voter preference against the governor’s 44 percent, suggesting significant acceptance beyond party lines. Other APC hopefuls lagged, with Oyebamiji polling 42 percent and Omisore 33 percent in similar matchups.
Overall, the poll placed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at 42 percent, APC at 39 percent, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other parties at 19 percent–a projection that points to a tight race ahead of the 2026 poll.
Political analysts interpreting the findings described the coming election as potentially “one of the most competitive in Osun’s history.” They observed that while Governor Adeleke retains solid grassroots support, the APC’s performance will depend on unity within its ranks and its choice of candidate to present a formidable challenge.
