Oyebamiji Secures APC Gubernatorial Ticket in Osun State Amidst Key Absences
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has officially nominated Bola Oyebamiji as its candidate for the upcoming 2026 governorship election. Oyebamiji, a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), secured the party’s ticket through an affirmation process during the state’s governorship primary held in Osogbo on Saturday.
The event saw a significant display of party unity, with several aspirants stepping down to endorse Oyebamiji. This move was formally initiated by Kunle Adegoke, SAN, who, on behalf of other aspirants, moved a motion to endorse Oyebamiji as the party’s flagbearer. Adegoke stated, “On behalf of the other aspirants of the party, I endorse Asiwaju Oyebamiji as our candidate for the 2026 Osun governorship election coming up in August. This follows the decision of all the aspirants to step down for Asiwaju Oyebamiji to be the party flagbearer in 2026.”
The primary was chaired by the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpoboholo, who subsequently called for a voice vote on the motion. The overwhelming support from attendees led to Oyebamiji’s declaration as the party’s candidate. Governor Okpoboholo announced, “By the power conferred on me, I present to you Bola Oyebamiji as the governorship candidate of our party.”
The primary committee was co-chaired by Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa of Ondo State. Other prominent figures present included Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, and the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
A significant number of dignitaries also graced the occasion, underscoring the importance of the primary. These included the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who has been a strong supporter of Oyebamiji’s candidacy; APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru; the Senator representing Osun East, Francis Fadahunsi; and the Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal.
Furthermore, six of the seven governorship aspirants who had been disqualified by the APC Screening Committee were in attendance. These included the former Deputy Governor of the state, Benedict Alabi; Omoworare; Adegoke; Hareter Oralusi; Dotun Babayemi; and Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi. Notably, Bola Oyebamiji and one female aspirant, Mulikat Abiola, were the only ones cleared to participate in the primary.
Notable Absence from the Primary
Amidst the prominent figures and party faithful gathered, the immediate past National Secretary of the APC, Iyiola Omisore, was conspicuously absent from the event. His absence was noted by observers and attendees alike.
Oyebamiji’s Vision for Osun State
Following his nomination, Bola Oyebamiji, who previously served as Osun State Commissioner for Finance, accepted the ticket and appealed for widespread support to steer the state toward progress. Addressing the gathering, flanked by his wife, Shekinat Oyebamiji, and Adegboyega Oyetola, Oyebamiji outlined his commitment to transforming Osun State.
His key promises included:
- Elevating the Standard of Living: A focused approach on alleviating poverty and eradicating hunger to improve the lives of all Osun residents.
- Revitalizing the Healthcare System: Addressing the current state of the health sector, which he described as “moribund,” with the aim of reducing the need for residents to seek medical treatment outside the state.
- Promoting Functional Education: Ensuring a robust and accessible educational system for all citizens.
- Prioritizing Welfare and Peace: Emphasizing the paramount importance of the populace’s welfare, communal peace, and progress as drivers for opportunity and innovation.
Oyebamiji extended an invitation to all well-meaning citizens of Osun State and party faithful to join him in this “progressive journey.” He acknowledged the significant challenges ahead but expressed confidence in their collective ability to achieve their goals. He specifically called upon his co-aspirants, party members, and other Progressives outside the current fold to unite in reversing what he described as the state’s “drift into total systemic collapse.”
He also expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support and faith in him and the APC members in Osun. Further acknowledgements were made to the National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru; and the entire National Working Committee for their contributions. Oyebamiji also lauded the efforts of former Osun Governors Adebisi Akande and Adegboyega Oyetola in maintaining party unity and positioning the APC for a return to power in the state.
