The All Progressives Congress (APC) has selected telecom engineering expert, Engr.Benjamin Kayode Adereti as the running mate to its candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (popularly known as AMBO).
This development follows the official publication of the final candidate list by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has set August 15, 2026, as the date for the crucial state-wide poll.
The choice of Adereti is viewed by political analysts as a strategic move to unite the party’s grassroots base and professional class.
An Ife-born politician with deep roots in the ancient city, Adereti brings a specialized professional background to the ticket as a seasoned engineer. His foray into mainstream politics was marked by a closely contested race for the Ife Federal Constituency seat in the 2023 general elections, where he narrowly lost to the incumbent legislator, Taofeek Ajilesoro.
Despite that outcome, his performance established him as a significant political force in the Ife/Ijesha axis, a critical voting bloc in Osun politics.
Engineer Adereti’s profile is defined by a blend of technical expertise and religious representation. As a devoted Christian, his inclusion ensures a balanced religious ticket alongside Bola Oyebamiji, who is a prominent Muslim leader.
Professionally, Adereti has built a reputation for advocating for infrastructure-led development, often emphasizing the need for modern engineering solutions to address the state’s urban and rural challenges. His transition from the private sector to the heart of the APC’s governorship campaign is expected to resonate with younger voters and the professional community who seek a data-driven and technical approach to governance.
With the INEC list now finalized, the APC is positioning the Oyebamiji-Adereti ticket as a partnership of fiscal experience and technical innovation. As the campaign gains momentum toward the August 15 election, the party aims to leverage Adereti’s grassroots popularity in Ife and his professional credentials to present a formidable alternative to the incumbent administration.
