APC’s Oyebamiji Emerges as 2026 Consensus Candidate

Abiola Ogundokun, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, warned that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s bid for a second term is unlikely to succeed after Bola Oyebamiji was chosen as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2026 governorship election. Speaking in Osogbo, Ogundokun noted that Oyebamiji—a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA)—was unanimously adopted as the APC flagbearer at a stakeholders’ gathering, marking a significant shift in Osun’s political landscape and signaling a potential end to the Adeleke administration. He urged Governor Adeleke to step aside and allow more capable leadership to steer the state forward and cautioned the governor’s brother, Dr. Deji Adeleke, against pursuing a second term, calling such an effort futile.

Ogundokun praised Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola for his thoughtful, strategic leadership, which he believes has fostered APC unity and strength in the state. He argued that the seamless emergence of Oyebamiji demonstrates the party’s cohesion under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, especially when contrasted with the internal challenges facing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition groups in Osun. The APC chieftain commended Oyetola for championing an inclusive, consultative process that could have destabilized the party under less patient leadership, and he lauded the aspirants for prioritizing party interests over personal ambitions.

According to Ogundokun, the party’s immediate objective is to reclaim Osun State from the Adeleke administration and deliver genuine democratic dividends to residents, similar to those achieved under the previous APC government. He urged Nigerians to continue supporting President Tinubu’s administration, citing recent economic indicators of gradual recovery: declining fuel prices, eased scarcity, ongoing infrastructure development, and increased funding for education and healthcare. Security, he added, is receiving greater attention through enhanced funding and recruitment. The APC’s efforts in Osun State will be closely watched as the 2026 governorship election approaches.