Osun West APC Leaders Urge Adebisi Akande to Support Zoning of Guber Ticket

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun West Senatorial District have called on former state governor and pioneer National Chairman of the party, Adebisi Akande, to lend his support to the growing demand for zoning the 2026 gubernatorial ticket to the district.

The call was made in a congratulatory message issued on Wednesday to mark Akande’s 86th birthday. This appeal comes amidst increasing pressure on the Osun State chapter of the APC, led by former governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to zone the party’s ticket to Osun West in the upcoming 2026 election.

While several groups have openly backed the idea of shifting the gubernatorial ticket to Osun West, many also recognize Oyetola’s “Right of First Refusal” for the 2026 election. However, they argue that zoning the ticket to Osun West is a matter of fairness, as the district has not produced a gubernatorial candidate for the party since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

The leadership of Osun West APC, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Akintola Omolaoye, expressed confidence in Akande’s sense of fairness and equity. They emphasized that his political experience and wisdom have been valuable to the party, and they called on the elder statesman to support the district’s push for the 2026 ticket—especially if Adegboyega Oyetola does not seek re-election.

The statement further highlighted Akande’s longstanding contribution to the party and his commitment to inclusivity and justice. It concluded by expressing hope that Akande would consider supporting Osun West in 2026 as a fitting tribute on his 86th birthday.

“We have unwavering and absolute confidence in your unbiased sense of fairness, justice, equity, and inclusivity,” the statement read, “and strongly hope that if the ‘Right of First Refusal’ is not exercised in 2026, you will magnanimously consider Osun West as part of your righteous birthday deed.”