Mulikat Abiola, a former legislator in the Osun State House of Assembly, has officially joined the race for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in the upcoming August 2026 election. The APC has scheduled its governorship primary for December 13, with at least seven aspirants already purchasing nomination forms.
Abiola, who represented Ifelodun State Constituency from 2018 to 2023, is the only female aspirant to have obtained the party’s nomination form so far. She announced her decision to run during a press conference in Osogbo, citing the need to address the persistent marginalization of women in Nigerian politics. Abiola emphasized the importance of increasing women’s participation in leadership positions and raising political awareness among them.
The APC governorship primary has already attracted several notable aspirants, including former APC National Secretary Senator Iyiola Omisore, former Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi, and immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority Bola Oyebamiji. Despite the competition, Abiola expressed confidence in her ability to win both the party primary and the governorship election.
Abiola’s candidacy highlights the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in Nigerian politics. Women’s representation in governance has been a longstanding issue in the country, with many advocating for greater inclusion and empowerment. As the only female aspirant in the APC governorship race, Abiola’s participation is seen as a significant step towards addressing this imbalance.
The APC primary is expected to be highly contested, with several experienced politicians vying for the party’s ticket. Abiola’s commitment to restoring political representation for women and empowering citizens has resonated with some supporters, who see her candidacy as an opportunity for fresh perspectives and leadership. As the election season unfolds, Abiola’s campaign is likely to focus on issues related to women’s empowerment, good governance, and development in Osun State. With the primary election scheduled for December 13, Abiola and her opponents will need to convince party delegates of their vision and ability to lead the state effectively.