A faction within the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, known as the Earliest Ilerioluwa Caucus, has endorsed Bola Oyebamiji as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2026 governorship election. Oyebamiji, the immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, has been touted as the most experienced and electable aspirant in the race due to his previous roles as Commissioner for Finance under former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola.
The endorsement was made during a rally in Iwo, which drew a significant number of APC members, including youths and women. The event aimed to raise awareness about Oyebamiji’s governorship ambition and was seen as a boost to his campaign. According to the group’s chairman, Yekeen Abilagbo, Oyebamiji’s record in public service makes him the ideal choice for the party. Abilagbo, a former chairman of the Federal Government’s Special Public Works Selection Committee in Osun, dismissed concerns about the ruling administration’s performance, stating that it has not weakened the APC’s chances in the upcoming election.
Oyebamiji’s experience as Commissioner for Finance and his subsequent appointment as Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority have been cited as evidence of his capacity to lead the state to prosperity. His impact during his two-year tenure at the National Inland Waterways Authority was reportedly widely felt. APC chieftain Taofeeq Adeniyi noted that while all governorship aspirants in the party are qualified, Oyebamiji stands out for his competence and leadership qualities.
The APC has a total of 13 aspirants vying for the party’s ticket, including former deputy governor Senator Iyiola Omisore, former lawmaker Mulikat Abiola, and Oyebamiji. All aspirants who have obtained the party’s expression of interest forms are expected to participate in the governorship primary scheduled for December 13. The outcome of the primary will determine the party’s candidate for the 2026 governorship election, making the next few weeks crucial for the aspirants and the party as a whole.