2026 Guber: Tinubu, APC Aspirants endorse Oyebamiji as consensus candidate

President Bola Tinubu has successfully brokered a consensus arrangement ahead of the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary, with aspirants unanimously endorsing the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), as the party’s unified candidate.

The breakthrough agreement was reached during a high-level meeting convened by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday night.

The meeting, which was attended by party leadership and aspirants, resolved internal friction and set the stage for the party's primary scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025.

The President’s endorsement aligns with the earlier position of the Osun APC Elders’ Council, Igbimo Agba Osun, led by Engr. Sola Akinwumi, which had previously thrown its weight behind Oyebamiji.

President Tinubu, while addressing the stakeholders, emphasized the critical need for party supremacy and internal cohesion.

He urged the aspirants to shelf personal ambitions and close ranks to ensure the party reclaims the state from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2026 election.

“You all have a duty and obligation to the party by ensuring the candidate of our party wins the next election in Osun State. You must strengthen the bonds of unity, party supremacy, and collective responsibility," President Tinubu charged the group.

He further assured the aspirants of his absolute confidence in their ability to deliver victory, noting that the disunity which cost the party the last election must be avoided.

In a display of loyalty, other aspirants agreed to set aside their bids to support Oyebamiji.

The aspirants who attended the meeting and endorsed the consensus include former Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi, Prince Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Mr. Babatunde Oralusi, Dr. (Mrs.) Mulikat Abiola Jimoh, Senator Mudashiru Husain, and Barr. Kunle Adegoke (SAN).

However, the meeting was boycotted by one aspirant, the former National Secretary of the APC, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

The attending aspirants signed a joint statement affirming their commitment to the party’s decision.

The statement declared their "unanimous agreement to abide by the party's decision to nominate a consensus candidate" and pledged total support to the candidate so nominated.

Addressing earlier controversies, the meeting clarified the status of aspirants who had been rumored to be disqualified.

In a statement released following the meeting, Barr. Kunle Adegoke (SAN) noted that the issue was raised directly with the leadership.

"It was affirmed, openly and without ambiguity, that all aspirants were duly screened, found eligible, and adjudged fit to contest. No adverse findings were established against any of us," Adegoke stated.

He further urged his supporters, particularly in Osogbo, to accept the outcome as a necessary step for the party's success, adding that he has personally congratulated Oyebamiji.

The meeting was attended by key party figures, including the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and APC leader in Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma.

The endorsement positions Oyebamiji as the sole contender for affirmation at the upcoming primary, consolidating the APC’s structure as it prepares to launch its campaign for the 2026 governorship election.