By Jeleel Olawale
With November’s governorship primary drawing near, Osun State’s All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing a high-stakes internal contest, as eight aspirants position themselves for the ticket to challenge Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party, whose popularity remains firmly entrenched.
Party elders, still smarting from the bruising 2022 defeat, are appealing for restraint, yet beneath the camaraderie displayed at caucus gatherings, a brutal struggle for supremacy simmers. Calls for zoning the ticket to Osun West have added a volatile layer, rattling some of the party’s most prominent figures and threatening to split loyalties before the primaries even begin.
The Contenders
Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) – Technocrat in the Trenches
The former Finance Commissioner and current NIWA chief brings a reputation for competence and integrity. His broad acceptability across zones bolsters his chances, though sceptics argue that political success requires strong grassroots structures rather than technical expertise, cautioning that primaries are won through groundwork, not balance sheets.
Akin Ogunbiyi – The Businessman with a Grassroots Touch
Ogunbiyi, founder of Mutual Benefits Assurance, mixes corporate clout with visible philanthropy. His ease in connecting with communities has built grassroots support, but as a relative newcomer to APC, doubts linger over his influence within the party’s power structures.
Kunle Rasheed Adegoke (K-RAD), SAN – Brains and Bridges
Articulate and policy-driven, Adegoke commands respect across party factions. His 2018 primary attempt won admiration for its substance, but his inability to convert goodwill into delegate votes remains a talking point. He insists this run will be different.
Prince Dotun Babayemi – Charisma with a PR Problem
Known for his media savvy and crowd appeal, Babayemi has a knack for commanding attention. However, his criticism of Adeleke’s Osogbo road projects, which were warmly received by residents, dented his reputation. Analysts say his political judgement will face intense scrutiny.
Iyiola Omisore – Old Warhorse, New Hurdles
A two-term senator, former deputy governor, and former APC National Secretary, Omisore is a formidable force with deep political roots in Osun East. Yet, the clamour for zoning the ticket to Osun West threatens to undermine his momentum. Analysts believe he remains the most seasoned contender, capable of reshaping the race. His strategic influence and longstanding connections, including his key role in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory at the APC presidential primary and the 2023 general election, have sparked speculation that this could be his moment of political reward.
Ajibola Basiru – The Party Insider
The APC National Secretary wields national clout and has strong structures in Osun Central. His opposition to zoning, which he argues lacks constitutional grounding, could alienate critical blocs in Osun West.
Jide Omoworare – The Quiet Operator
The former senator from Ife brings solid experience but has yet to ignite enthusiasm among party faithful. His understated style risks invisibility in a field crowded with aggressive campaigners.
Mudashiru Hussein – The Elder Statesman
A respected legislator with deep party goodwill, Hussein’s absence of a clearly articulated agenda and visible campaign organisation threatens to sideline him in a race that rewards momentum and visibility.
Zoning and the Adeleke Factor
Pressure to cede the ticket to Osun West has become a rallying cry, raising the stakes for aspirants from other districts. Governor Adeleke’s enduring approval rating—estimated above 75 per cent—intensifies the challenge for APC strategists, who must build a formidable ground operation rather than rely on popularity contests.
The Road Ahead
The APC Elders’ Caucus has begun discreet interventions aimed at narrowing the field before November. However, factional tensions, zoning disputes, and personal ambitions present formidable obstacles.
Likely Path to the Ticket
On paper, Oyebamiji emerges as a competent and widely acceptable contender, while Omisore’s deep political experience makes him a potential game-changer. Babayemi and Basiru remain significant forces, capable of energising the party’s base. Yet, Osun politics has long shown that primaries hinge on alliances, resource mobilisation, and delegate loyalty, with last-minute deals often determining the victor.
As November approaches, the eventual winner will be the aspirant who blends organisation, broad acceptability, and impeccable timing—not necessarily the loudest voice or the flashiest campaigner.
