On Wednesday, May 7, two powerful interest groups within the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC)—the Progressive Frontliners (TPF) and the Coalition of Osun APC Interest Groups (COAIG)—renewed their push to zone the 2026 governorship ticket to Osun West Senatorial District.
The demand was made during the groups’ monthly meeting held in Osogbo, where their leaders said the time had come to end decades of political marginalisation of Osun West within the party.
Ademola Rukayat, a joint coordinator for the groups, spoke passionately:
“The agitation for zoning the gubernatorial ticket to Osun West is resounding with an intensity that demands the attention of our leaders. Osun West has paid its dues. Now is the time to allow the district to reclaim its rightful place.”
The coalition said this wasn’t about grudges, but about fairness and balance. Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, they pointed out that Osun West has never produced an APC governorship candidate, despite being a loyal stronghold for the party.
Another coordinator, Michael Idowu, added:
“As we approach 2026, it will be nearly thirty years of exclusion. This is not just an appeal; it is a demand for justice… Let us seize this opportunity to correct history and reclaim Osun from the PDP.”
The groups made a formal appeal to APC national leaders, including President Bola Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande, asking them to support zoning the ticket to Osun West as a symbol of justice, inclusivity, and unity.
They also submitted a formal letter of request to the Osun APC Secretariat, received by Aremu Tajudeen, Director of Administration and Finance.
But not everyone in the party agrees.
Senator Ajibola Basiru, a top APC figure and 2026 governorship hopeful, rejected the idea of zoning in a Facebook post on Monday, May 5, saying:
“Zoning is not in our constitution. People should be free to contest.”
The senator argued that zoning could hurt party unity and limit support from other regions.
Still, the Osun West advocates say they won’t back down. They’ve vowed to continue pushing until their voices are heard, warning that ongoing marginalisation could again hurt the party at the polls.
