Osun 2026: all hands must be on deck to return APC to power – party leaders, stakeholders

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to return the party to government in 2026, calling for unity and collective action ahead of the governorship election.

This came as party stakeholders directed the immediate dissolution of all groups and slogans associated with former governorship aspirants, insisting that all structures must now align fully with the APC platform.

The directive was issued at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the residence of the party’s national leader and former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, in Ila-Orangun.

Addressing the gathering, Akande commended the spirit of unity that characterised the party’s organs and culminated in what he described as a seamless and rancour-free governorship primary conducted a few days earlier.

The pioneer national chairman of the APC expressed confidence in the party’s chances of unseating the incumbent administration and reclaiming power in 2026.

He praised the national and state leaderships of the party for their commitment and sustained efforts in building what he called a strong and formidable political platform, adding that the APC had clearly demonstrated its readiness and capacity to govern Osun State.

According to Akande, following the successful primary and the emergence of the party’s flag bearer, all support groups must now adopt the party’s name as their sole slogan, rather than those of individual aspirants or even that of the candidate.

In his remarks, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, lauded the party leadership at both state and national levels and commended the governorship aspirants for their sportsmanship.

He urged party members to work tirelessly to ensure victory, noting that it was in the best interest of Osun State for the APC to return to government.

Oyetola also called on local government party executives to intensify engagement in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, infrastructure and environmental management.

The Osun APC chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, appealed to all governorship aspirants to return to their respective constituencies and mobilise their supporters to work for the party’s candidate, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, in line with the party’s consensus agreement.

Also speaking, the chairman of the Osun APC Elders’ Forum, Engr. Sola Akinwumi, emphasised the need for collective effort ahead of the August 8, 2026 governorship election.

“APC is the vehicle through which Oyebamiji will be elected as governor on August 8, 2026. The campaign committee will be all-inclusive, and all aspirants must give unconditional support to ensure victory,” he said.

APC chieftain, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party leadership for their commitment, urging leaders to treat the election as a collective project.

In separate remarks, governorship aspirant Senator Babajide Omoworare; Senator representing Osun East, Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi; former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and former Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, Adejare Bello; and former House of Representatives member, Hon. Ajibola Famurewa, all called for an inclusive campaign strategy.

“We have accepted the choice of the party, and the task before us now is to work for its success. Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji is the candidate, and we will work assiduously to ensure victory. I am 100 per cent a party man,” Omoworare said.

Famurewa added that former deputy governor, Senator Iyiola Omisore, who was unavoidably absent, had also accepted the party’s decision and supported an inclusive campaign.

In his response, the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, thanked all aspirants for their support and pledged to run an inclusive campaign.

He also dismissed insinuations about the sharing of appointments, stating that such matters remained the responsibility of the party and would be addressed at the appropriate time.