Oyetola’s candidate wins Osun APC primary, Omisore absent
Omisore Absent as Bola Oyebamiji Emerges APC Candidate for 2026 Osun Governorship Election
The immediate past National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Iyiola Omisore, was conspicuously absent on Saturday as the party conducted its Osun State governorship primary in Osogbo, the state capital, www.cjsoftflix.com reports.
The development came as the immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, emerged as the APC’s flagbearer for the 2026 Osun State governorship election scheduled for August.
Oyebamiji, who enjoys the backing of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, emerged unopposed through affirmation following a consensus agreement among aspirants.
How Oyebamiji Emerged
The affirmation followed a motion jointly moved and supported by two governorship aspirants, Kunle Adegoke, SAN, and Babajide Omoworare, who announced that all aspirants had agreed to step down in support of Oyebamiji.
Moving the motion, Adegoke said:
“On behalf of the other aspirants of the party, I endorse Asiwaju Oyebamiji as our candidate for the 2026 Osun governorship election coming up in August. This follows the decision of all the aspirants to step down for Asiwaju Oyebamiji to be the party flagbearer in 2026.”
The chairman of the APC governorship primary committee and Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpoboholo, subsequently subjected the motion to a voice vote, which received overwhelming approval from party members present.
Declaring the result, Okpoboholo said:
“By the power conferred on me, I present to you Bola Oyebamiji as the governorship candidate of our party.”
Top APC Leaders in Attendance
The primary election was witnessed by several high-profile APC leaders and governors from across the country.
- Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State – Co-chairman of the primary committee
- Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State
- Dr Obafemi Hamzat – Deputy Governor of Lagos State, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu
- Adegboyega Oyetola – Minister of Marine and Blue Economy
- Senator Ajibola Basiru – APC National Secretary
- Francis Fadahunsi – Senator representing Osun East
- Tajudeen Lawal – Osun APC Chairman
Six of the seven governorship aspirants earlier disqualified by the APC Screening Committee were also present at the event. Oyebamiji and a female aspirant, Mulikat Abiola, were the only aspirants cleared to participate in the primary.
The disqualified aspirants who attended included:
- Benedict Alabi – Former Deputy Governor of Osun State
- Babajide Omoworare
- Kunle Adegoke, SAN
- Hareter Oralusi
- Dotun Babayemi
- Dr Akin Ogunbiyi
Notably absent from the primary was former APC National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore, whose non-appearance sparked political discussions within party circles.
Oyebamiji’s Acceptance Speech
Speaking shortly after his emergence, Oyebamiji accepted the nomination and called for unity and support from all party stakeholders to reposition Osun State for development.
Flanked by his wife, Shekinat Oyebamiji, and Oyetola, the former NIWA boss outlined his vision for the state if elected governor.
“If elected, I will work towards elevating the standard of living for every Osun resident by alleviating poverty, eradicating hunger, and promoting a functional educational system for all,” he said.
He also pledged to revitalise the state’s healthcare system, describing it as currently moribund, and reduce the need for medical tourism outside the state.
“The welfare of the populace, communal peace, and progress are paramount to our party, as they foster an environment where opportunity abounds and innovation flourishes,” Oyebamiji added.
Gratitude to Tinubu and APC Leadership
Oyebamiji expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support and confidence in him and the APC in Osun State.
He also thanked the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru, and the entire National Working Committee of the party for their backing.
The APC governorship candidate further lauded former Osun governors Adebisi Akande and Adegboyega Oyetola for their roles in keeping the party united and well-positioned to reclaim power in the state.
For more political updates, governorship election insights, and breaking news from Osun State and beyond, stay connected to www.cjsoftflix.com for trusted and timely reports.
