2026 guber: Adeleke’s reelection ambition dead – APC
A prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State, Abiola Ogundokun, has asserted that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s bid for a second term has effectively collapsed following the emergence of Bola Oyebamiji as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2026 governorship election.
Ogundokun made the remark in Osogbo on Saturday shortly after Oyebamiji, a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, was unanimously adopted as the APC flagbearer at a stakeholders’ gathering.
According to Ogundokun, Oyebamiji’s emergence marks a turning point in Osun’s political landscape and signals what he described as the gradual end of the Adeleke administration.
He argued that the governor should step aside and allow a more capable leadership to steer the state forward.
“With the adoption of Bola Oyebamiji as the APC candidate, the end of the Ademola Adeleke government is in sight. I advise Dr Deji Adeleke not to waste resources pursuing a second term for his brother. That effort will not yield results. Governor Adeleke has had his opportunity; it is time for him to step aside,” Ogundokun said.
He also lauded the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, describing him as a thoughtful and strategic leader whose calm disposition, he said, should not be mistaken for weakness.
Ogundokun, a former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct National Party of Nigeria, NPN, said the seamless emergence of Oyebamiji demonstrated the strength and unity of the APC under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
He contrasted this with what he described as persistent internal challenges facing the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and other opposition parties in the state.
“The consensus that produced Oyebamiji is a clear message that the APC in Osun is united and focused. Some people expected the process to fracture the party, but instead, we came out stronger,” he said.
He further commended Oyetola for championing an inclusive and consultative process, noting that the exercise could have destabilised the party under less patient leadership.
“Through dialogue, openness and fairness, Oyetola guided the party successfully. I also commend all aspirants for placing party interest above personal ambition,” Ogundokun added.
The APC chieftain said the party’s immediate objective was to reclaim Osun State from the Adeleke administration to enable residents benefit from what he described as genuine dividends of democracy similar to those recorded under the previous APC government.
Ogundokun also urged Nigerians to continue supporting President Tinubu’s administration, stating that recent economic indicators point to gradual recovery.
“Fuel prices are declining, scarcity has eased, infrastructure development is ongoing, and increased funding is being directed to education and healthcare. Security is also receiving greater attention through enhanced funding and recruitment,” he said.