Osun 2026: APC candidate’ll emerge through affirmation, says Okpebholo

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State. Photo: X @m_akpakomiza

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The Chairman of the 2026 Osun State governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress, Governor Monday Okpebholo, has said the party’s candidate will emerge through affirmation.

Okpebholo disclosed on Friday during a meeting with APC stakeholders in Osogbo, the state capital, ahead of the primary election, urging members to cooperate to ensure the exercise is conducted peacefully and without rancor.

The APC has scheduled its primary for December 18, Saturday, in Osogbo, the state capital.

The meeting was attended by disqualified aspirants, including former Osun State Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi, former Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly Timothy Owoeye, and APC State Chairman Tajudeen Lawal, as well as the former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji, who is the leading aspirant.

Oyebamiji and former Ifelodun State Constituency lawmaker Mulikat Abiola had earlier been cleared by the APC screening committee to contest the primary.

Seven other aspirants, including former APC National Secretary Iyiola Omisore, were disqualified during screening at the party’s national headquarters.

Explaining the process to be adopted, Okpebholo said, “This gathering reflects our collective resolve, not only to strengthen internal democracy but to reclaim Osun State into the progressive fold and restore purposeful leadership.

“The purpose of this meeting is to formally brief you on the arrival of the primary election committee in Osun State and to outline the modalities guiding Saturday’s exercise. Transparency is key, and we want every stakeholder to understand the process publicly.

“As you are aware, the mode of the primary will be by consensus. All 1,660 accredited delegates will converge at the designated venue to affirm the choice of our party’s candidate for the next gubernatorial election. Let me emphasise that no delegates will be allowed into the venue without proper accreditation. This is to ensure fairness and accountability throughout the process.”

He called on party stakeholders, leaders, aspirants, delegates, and members to fully support the committee and cooperate with officials managing the primary.

Earlier, the co-chairman of the primary committee, Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa of Ondo State, urged Osun APC members to bury their differences and work collaboratively with the panel.

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