APC to Win Osun Governorship Convincingly, Says Yilwatda

APC to Win Osun Governorship Convincingly, Says Yilwatda

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed confidence of a convincing victory in the 2026 Osun State governorship election, following the emergence of Bola Oyebamiji as the party’s candidate through a consensus arrangement.

The National Chairman of the party, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who spoke in Abuja on Friday after the presentation of the certificate of return to Oyebamiji, described the process as a clear demonstration of unity, internal harmony and political maturity within the APC.

Yilwatda said the party successfully produced a consensus candidate after extensive consultations among nine aspirants, noting that the outcome underscored the strong relationship and shared vision among party members.

“We have just produced a brand-new candidate for the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 2026. What makes this unique is that it was achieved by consensus.

“Unlike what we see in other political parties, all nine aspirants came together and agreed on one person to represent them,” Yilwatda said.

According to him, the process reflected the confidence of the aspirants in Oyebamiji’s ability to lead inclusively and unite the party ahead of the election.

“This shows the level of understanding, trust and cooperation among the aspirants. It also shows that our candidate has the capacity to carry everyone along, not only during the campaign but also in governance,” he added.

The APC chairman confirmed that the party had formally issued the certificate of return to Oyebamiji, officially recognising him as its sole candidate for the August 2026 governorship poll in Osun State.

“With the certificate of return issued today, he now stands as our candidate for the Osun governorship election in August 2026,” he said.

Assuring the people of Osun State of the party’s commitment, Yilwatda pledged sustained mobilisation and support ahead of the election, declaring that the APC was determined to reclaim the state.

“The party is ready to stand with the people of Osun, day and night, from now until election day. We will work shoulder to shoulder with them to ensure that APC wins convincingly, beyond any reasonable doubt,” he said.

He added that the party had already begun mobilising its structures and resources nationwide in support of the campaign in the state.

“We are deploying our full capacity and strength to Osun State. We will campaign vigorously and ensure victory for our party,” Yilwatda stated.

Presenting the candidate to journalists, the APC chairman congratulated Oyebamiji on his emergence and invited him to address the media.

In his remarks, Oyebamiji expressed gratitude to the party leadership for the confidence reposed in him, describing the presentation of the certificate of return as a call to service.

“Let me first thank you, gentlemen, for today’s presentation of my Certificate of Return,” he said.

He said the people of Osun State were ready for a change in leadership, stressing that governance required seriousness, competence and commitment.

“I want to assure you that the people are ready for the APC to take over the mantle of leadership. Governance is a serious business. Osun State is blessed with enormous human and material assets, and what we need is a serious manager to drive those assets effectively,” Oyebamiji stated.

The APC candidate pledged to pursue the mandate with focus and dedication, adding that the party would deliver at both state and national levels.

“Now that I have this mandate, we will carry it forward and, by 2026 and 2027, we will deliver for the President.

“As I said the last time I was here, I do not see anyone as a competitor. We are a team, and we are committed to delivering together,” he stated.