Osun 2026: APC Stakeholders endorse Oyebamiji as preferred governorship candidate

Critical stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ila Orangun, Boripe, and Aiyedade Local Government Areas of Osun State have unanimously endorsed Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) as their preferred candidate for the 2026 governorship election.

The endorsement came over the weekend during Oyebamiji’s consultation visits to the three local governments as part of his ongoing statewide engagement with party members and leaders ahead of the APC primary scheduled for December 13, 2026.

Addressing a large crowd of supporters, Oyebamiji, a leading APC governorship aspirant and former Commissioner for Finance, expressed gratitude for the show of solidarity, pledging to protect and promote the interests of Osun people if elected governor.

“Support AMBO and know that he has no other option than to do well for Osun and its people,” he assured.

Speaking on behalf of APC stakeholders in Ila Orangun, Prince Joshua Adediji said the decision to rally behind Oyebamiji was unanimous despite the number of aspirants in the race.
“We have 12 aspirants, but AMBO is our candidate in the coming primary election. However, whoever wins, we should remain united and support the party’s flag bearer to rescue Osun from the current challenges under the PDP,” Adediji stated.

Former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, described Oyebamiji as a loyal disciple of Chief Bisi Akande, a founding father of the APC.
“Baba Akande has declared that APC will return to power in 2026, and AMBO, being a product of the Bisi Akande school of politics, is well-positioned to actualise that vision,” Owoeye said.

Similarly, Hon. Segun Awotunde praised Oyebamiji’s humility and dedication to party unity, assuring him of Ila Orangun’s total support.
“By the grace of God, you shall win the ticket. Ila is behind you because Baba Bisi Akande asked us to support you. When you win, remember Ila Orangun and its people,” Awotunde noted.

In Boripe Local Government, stakeholders reaffirmed their loyalty to former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, noting that his open endorsement of Oyebamiji had provided clear direction for the party.
Barr. Bello Osuolale, who spoke on behalf of the elders, said: “We will always follow the directive of our leader, Adegboyega Oyetola. Since he has identified with Asiwaju Oyebamiji, he is our candidate for the coming primary.”

Other party leaders, including Alhaji Kareem Afolabi, Alhaji Sulaiman Aderemi, and Prince Adeleke Adebayo, echoed their confidence in Oyebamiji’s candidacy, declaring Boripe LG “already secured” for him.

The event also witnessed the defection of Alhaja Arike Elero from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. She pledged to work for Oyebamiji’s victory in the forthcoming primary and general election.

Stakeholders across the three LGs highlighted Oyebamiji’s administrative experience, track record, and loyalty to the party as key reasons for their endorsement, describing him as the right man to lead APC back to power and restore Osun’s legacy of good governance.

Dignitaries present included Adedokun Joseph, APC Chairman, Ila Orangun LG; Ismail Oluwatosin, Executive Chairman, Ila LG; Mr. Olalekan Badmus, Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); former lawmakers Hon. Lawrence Ayeni and Hon. Sunday Akere; Hon. Wale Popoola, Dr. Taofeek Bambo, and several other APC chieftains.