The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has made a significant decision ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election. The party has suspended the release of memos and communiqués regarding its candidacy, and has affirmed former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola's right of first refusal for the party's gubernatorial ticket. This decision was reached at an Osun West Senatorial District APC stakeholders meeting in Iwo on Friday, where the stakeholders unanimously agreed that Oyetola has the right to be the party's candidate for the 2026 election, unless he decides not to contest ¹.
The meeting, presided over by the Chairman of the Caucus, Akin Omolaoye, also passed a vote of confidence in the party's leadership at both the national and state levels. The party leaders emphasized that the APC will field the best candidate to win the 2026 governorship election in the state. Omolaoye stated that Oyetola remains the party's ticket holder unless he decides not to contest, and that the party will support him if he decides to run ².
The decision to suspend the release of memos and communiqués is aimed at preventing divisions within the party. The party leaders have ordered an immediate suspension of releases and communiqués by intra-party groups regarding the 2026 candidacy, emphasizing that party unity is more important than the ambition of any individual member ³. This move is seen as an effort to prevent the kind of infighting that can weaken the party's chances in the election.
Omolaoye also appealed to the party leadership to zone the ticket to Osun West if Oyetola opts out of the race, in the interest of fairness and balance. He stated that Osun West remains the APC's stronghold and is capable of unseating the ruling party if given the opportunity to represent the party in the next governorship election ⁴. This appeal is seen as an effort to ensure that the party's ticket is given to a candidate from Osun West, which is considered a strategic move to strengthen the party's chances in the election.
The APC's decision to affirm Oyetola's right of first refusal has been seen as a move to prevent divisions within the party. Oyetola is a popular figure in the state, and his candidacy is seen as a strong one. By affirming his right to be the party's candidate, the APC is sending a signal that it is united behind him, and that it will support him if he decides to run ⁵.
However, it is worth noting that the APC's decision is not without its challenges. The party still has to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries within the state, and it has to ensure that it presents a united front in the election. The party also has to contend with the opposition from other parties, which are likely to field strong candidates in the election.
In conclusion, the APC's decision to affirm Oyetola's right of first refusal is a significant move ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election in Osun State. The party's decision to suspend the release of memos and communiqués is aimed at preventing divisions within the party, and its appeal to zone the ticket to Osun West if Oyetola opts out of the race is seen as an effort to ensure that the party's ticket is given to a candidate from Osun West. The APC's decision is a strategic move to strengthen its chances in the election, and it will be interesting to see how the party navigates the complex web of alliances and rivalries within the state in the coming months ¹ ² ³.
