Osun 2026: Adeleke should go and rest, says APC chieftain

File Photo: Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Abiola Ogundokun, has said the emergence of a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji, as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2026 governorship election has effectively ended the second-term ambition of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Ogundokun stated this in Osogbo on Saturday shortly after Oyebamiji was adopted as the APC candidate by party stakeholders at a colourful ceremony.

“With the emergence of Bola Oyebamiji as the APC candidate, the days of the Ademola Adeleke administration are numbered.

“I advise Dr Deji Adeleke not to waste his money in trying to secure a second term for his younger brother. It would be money down the drain. Ademola has done his bit; he should go and rest and allow someone more competent to take over. Oyebamiji is that person. You don’t compare apples with oranges,” Ogundokun said.

Ogundokun also praised the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, describing him as a foresighted leader whose calm disposition, he said, was often mistaken for weakness.

The former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct National Party of Nigeria said the hitch-free emergence of Oyebamiji underscored the firm control of the APC by its National Leader, President Bola Tinubu.

He added that, unlike the Peoples Democratic Party, which he said was enmeshed in internal crises, and other weightless opposition parties in Osun, party discipline remained sacrosanct within the APC.

“The emergence of Oyebamiji is a big statement by the Osun APC. It shows that the party is solid and united. Opposition parties expected the process to divide us, but we have emerged stronger,” he said.

Ogundokun commended Oyetola for what he described as inclusive and impactful leadership, noting that the consensus process could have fractured the party under a less patient leader.

“Through dialogue, constructive criticism and fairness, Oyetola led the party through the consensus process. I commend all the aspirants for allowing party supremacy to prevail. Everyone will have their time,” he said.

According to him, the task before the party was to reclaim Osun from the Adeleke administration. This, he said, would enable the masses enjoy the dividends of democracy similar to the dividends enjoyed during the Oyetola administration.

The Iwo high chief also urged Nigerians to support the administration of President Tinubu, saying available economic indicators pointed to a gradual recovery.

“Fuel prices are crashing, fuel scarcity is no longer an issue, infrastructure projects are ongoing across the country, and more funds are being committed to education and health. Insecurity is being tackled with increased funding and recruitment. President Tinubu has improved on what he met on the ground,” Ogundokun added.

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