Osun APC Stakeholders Push for Unity, Demand Suspension of 2026 Candidacy Talks
Ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election in Osun State, various groups within the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been urged to suspend all memos and communiqués concerning the party’s gubernatorial candidacy.
This decision was made during a meeting of APC stakeholders from the Osun West Senatorial District, which took place on Friday in Iwo.
At the gathering, it was unanimously agreed that former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola holds the right of first refusal for the party’s gubernatorial ticket. The meeting, led by Caucus Chairman Akin Omolaoye, also passed a vote of confidence in both the national and state leadership of the party. The stakeholders emphasized that APC would select the best candidate to contest the 2026 election.
Omolaoye clarified that Oyetola remains the party’s candidate unless he decides not to run.
Addressing tensions among party support groups, some of whom had exchanged harsh words over the candidacy, the leaders called for an immediate halt to any statements or releases by intra-party groups regarding the 2026 election. The party leadership stressed that unity within the party was paramount, prioritizing the collective goal over any individual ambitions.
Omolaoye further appealed to the party leadership to consider zoning the ticket to Osun West if Oyetola does not seek re-election. He argued that Osun West, as a stronghold of the APC, has the capacity to challenge the ruling party and secure victory for APC in the upcoming gubernatorial race.
“We don’t have an anointed candidate, but we speak with one voice—if Oyetola opts out, it is time for Osun West to fly the party’s flag,” he stated, adding that the district had more than 100 qualified candidates to choose from.
He also called for unity and urged external forces not to take actions or make statements that could create division within the party. Omolaoye emphasized that APC in Osun is one large family, committed to remaining united for the good of the party and the state.
The meeting was attended by notable figures, including former Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi, former Speakers Mojeed Alabi and Adejare Bello, and Senator Mudashir Hussein.
