A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kunle Rasheed Adegoke, known as K-Rad, has officially declared his intention to contest the Osun 2026 governorship election under the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The declaration was made on Saturday, June 7, 2025, during a celebration of Eid-el-Kabir at his campaign office in Osogbo, attended by APC leaders from Olorunda local government area.
While addressing supporters and party executives, Adegoke expressed confidence that, if given the party’s ticket, he would lead Osun State to a new era of development and excellence among Nigerian states.
“This is not my first time contesting for the governorship ticket. I did the same in 2018 under APC. But this time, I’m presenting a well-structured agenda focused on sustainable development,” he said.
OsunReporters News Correspondent who was at the event, reports that Adegoke, who hails from Osogbo, stressed the urgency of wealth creation through developmental economics, stating that social welfare and progress must be driven by sound economic policies.
According to him, “Developmental economics is the only way we can create wealth for the people of Osun. We must bring lasting solutions to poverty and lack.”
Explaining the rationale behind his renewed ambition, he said, “We’ve spent years developing a people-oriented manifesto. Now is the time to present that vision to the people and represent their interests effectively.”
On zoning debates within the state, Adegoke called for a focus on competence rather than regional considerations, asserting that leadership must be about capacity, not location.
“In a state where development is still a major struggle, zoning should not override merit. We need capable leadership, not sectional entitlements,” he declared.
He noted that although zoning may apply to other political offices, it should not dictate the choice of a state governor in critical times.
“Osogbo has never produced a governor in Osun. Yet, it consistently delivers one of the highest vote counts during elections,” he added.
“If zoning must be considered, then Osogbo people also deserve their turn. But the focus should remain on who can deliver prosperity for the state,” he said.
Adegoke also highlighted his longstanding contributions to the APC, recalling his foundational role and years of legal service to the party at both state and national levels.
“I was one of those who drafted the party’s constitution. I’ve represented the APC and its presidential candidates for over a decade,” he stated.
He cited his involvement in landmark electoral litigations, including the defence of President Muhammadu Buhari’s mandate and legal representation for President Bola Tinubu.
“I’ve defended the party’s victories against the PDP and Labour Party. These are verifiable contributions to our political progress,” Adegoke noted.
He said such dedication, experience, and institutional memory give him an edge in securing the APC ticket and ultimately leading Osun State.
“My network, legal background, and policy insight position me uniquely to drive governance. I trust the party leadership to recognise that,” he added.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has already fixed the date for the Osun 2026 governorship election, prompting aspirants to declare early.
Adegoke urged party stakeholders to prioritise the future of Osun State over internal divisions and ensure the emergence of a competent candidate.
He affirmed that his candidacy was a response to the people’s call for genuine progress, based on years of research, consultation, and vision-building.
