Osun 2026: Oyebamiji Emerges APC Governorship Candidate

Former Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the August 8, 2026 gubernatorial election.

Oyebamiji was elected at the primary election held on Saturday in Osogbo, the State capital.

The APC candidate had been endorsed as the consensus candidate of the party, after six aspirants who were earlier screened out met with President Bola Tinubu at Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The last person in the race, Hon. Mulikat Adeola Akande, also stepped down following the Abuja accord.

The exercise witnessed the adoption of a motion for other aspirants to step down in favour of Oyebamiji, which was moved by one of the aspirants, Kunle Adegoke, during the primary.‎

The motion was seconded by Senator Babajide Omoworare, while the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, who chaired the primary election called for the affirmation of Oyebamiji’s candidature.

Kunle Rasheed Adegoke, SAN, then moved for the affirmation of Oyebamiji and it was seconded by another former aspirant, Omoworare.

Chairman of the primary election, Governor Okpebholo affirmed Oyebamiji after all 1,660 delegates adopted the motion via voice vote.

In his acceptance speech, Oyebamiji applauded his co-aspirants for sacrificing their ambition.

“What is worthy of mention is the unrelenting commitment of my co-aspirants who have sacrificed their personal ambitions for the continued progress of our party.

“As a people, we stand once again at the threshold of history. Our state, Osun, is presently at a crossroads between real progress and frivolity, between accountability and wastefulness.

“We have been summoned once more to reevaluate our stand as a people. Where all-round education is the pillar upon which our existence revolves.

“Our founding fathers had their intentions clearly mapped out. They desired a society where systems work. A community where shared economic prosperity is at the core of public policy. We are committed to elevating the standard of living for every Osun resident by alleviating poverty, eradicating hunger, and promoting a functional educational system for all.

“The health system in Osun State is currently moribund; we intend to revitalise it, thereby reducing the need for medical tourism. The welfare of the populace and communal peace and progress are paramount to our party, as they foster an environment where opportunity abounds and innovation flourishes”, Oyebamiji posited.