Introduction to the Osun State Governorship Election
The contest for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Osun State has gained significant momentum. One of the aspirants, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, has resigned as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Agency (NIWA) to pursue his political ambitions. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the gubernatorial poll for August 8, 2026, but the APC plans to conduct its primary election on December 13 to select its flagbearer.
Aspirants for the APC Governorship Ticket
There are at least 13 aspirants vying for the party’s ticket. The list includes notable figures such as Senator Iyiola Omisore, Bola Oyebamiji (popularly known as AMBO), Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Senator Ajibola Basiru, Prince Dotun Babayemi, Kunle Adegoke, SAN, Professor Rafiu Durotoye, Chief Peter Babalola, Harreter Babatunde Oralusi, Engineer Dideolu Falobi, and Senator Mudasiru Hussein.
Bola Oyebamiji’s Resignation
Oyebamiji, who hails from Ikire in Osun West Senatorial District, has tendered his resignation as NIWA CEO to be eligible to contest for the APC governorship ticket. This move is in line with the Electoral Act 2022, Section 84 (12). His resignation was disclosed in a statement by the coordinator of AMBO Media Fronts, Adebayo Adedeji, where Oyebamiji expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve as the chief executive of the country’s waterways agency for two years.
Developments and Advisories
Meanwhile, Senator Iyiola Omisore has obtained his nomination and expression of interest forms to contest for the party’s ticket at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, after paying N50 million. However, the Osun State Elders’ Caucus (Igboho Agba) of the APC has urged governorship aspirants to delay purchasing their nomination forms for the 2026 election. The caucus has inaugurated a screening committee to vet all aspirants ahead of the party primaries and advised aspirants to wait until the committee submits its report.
Conclusion
The race for the APC governorship ticket in Osun State is heating up, with several aspirants showing interest. The resignation of Bola Oyebamiji and the purchase of nomination forms by Senator Iyiola Omisore are significant developments in the contest. As the party prepares for its primary election, the screening committee’s report will be crucial in determining the eligibility of the aspirants. The outcome of the primary election will set the stage for the 2026 gubernatorial poll, which is scheduled for August 8, 2026.
FAQs
- Q: When is the Osun State gubernatorial poll scheduled to hold?
A: The gubernatorial poll is scheduled to hold on August 8, 2026. - Q: How many aspirants are contesting for the APC governorship ticket?
A: There are at least 13 aspirants vying for the party’s ticket. - Q: Why did Bola Oyebamiji resign as NIWA CEO?
A: Oyebamiji resigned to be eligible to contest for the APC governorship ticket, in line with the Electoral Act 2022, Section 84 (12). - Q: What is the advice of the Osun State Elders’ Caucus to the governorship aspirants?
A: The caucus has advised aspirants to wait until the screening committee submits its report before obtaining the prescribed nomination forms.
