Fresh political tension has emerged within the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu allegedly endorsed Bola Oyebamiji as the party’s preferred candidate ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The development has reportedly caused unease among other aspirants within the party, with concerns growing over fairness and internal democracy as preparations intensify for the upcoming poll scheduled for August 2026.
According to reports, the alleged endorsement followed a meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where key stakeholders and aspirants were expected to discuss strategies for the election. However, the meeting reportedly exposed divisions within the party, as not all aspirants were present.
One of the notable aspirants, Iyiola Omisore, was said to have boycotted the meeting, further highlighting internal disagreements and dissatisfaction among party members over the emerging political direction.
Sources within the party suggest that the perceived endorsement of Oyebamiji may have tilted the balance of power in his favour, raising concerns among other contenders who fear that the primary process could be influenced. This has led to calls from some party stakeholders for transparency and equal opportunity for all aspirants.
Oyebamiji, a former Commissioner for Finance in Osun State and current head of a federal agency, is considered a strong contender within the APC. His political experience and connections within the party structure have positioned him as a key figure in the race.
Despite the controversy, some party loyalists have defended the president’s role, arguing that consultations and political alignments are common in party politics, especially ahead of major elections. They maintain that the final decision on the party’s candidate will ultimately rest on the outcome of the primaries.
However, critics within the APC warn that perceived imposition of candidates could weaken party unity and affect its chances in the election. They stress that a transparent and credible primary process is essential to maintaining confidence among party members and supporters.
The Osun governorship election is expected to be highly competitive, with political parties already positioning themselves for the contest. The state is currently governed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the APC is seeking to regain control.
Analysts believe that internal cohesion within the APC will play a crucial role in determining its performance in the election. They note that unresolved disputes among aspirants could create divisions that opposition parties may exploit.
As political activities continue to build up, party leaders are expected to engage in further consultations to address concerns and ensure a united front ahead of the election. Observers say how the APC manages its internal dynamics in the coming months will significantly shape the outcome of the Osun governorship race.
