An APC group from Osun West Senatorial District has called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone the party’s 2026 gubernatorial ticket to their region. The demand comes amid growing calls within the state’s APC for the next gubernatorial candidate to come from Osun West.
The call was made by the Osun West Senatorial Front (OWSF) during a press conference on Monday, January 6. Speaking on behalf of the group, Taiwo Adejumo from Egbedore local government acknowledged that former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, who currently serves as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has the Right of First Refusal. However, Adejumo urged the party to consider the zoning request if Oyetola decides not to run for a second term in 2026.
“The minister has the Right of First Refusal. Our advocacy is conditional on his decision for 2026,” Adejumo said. “We join other patriots to advocate for fairness by urging the APC leadership to zone the 2026 governorship ticket to Osun West Senatorial District, should His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola decide not to run.”
Adejumo highlighted that Osun West has not had the opportunity to govern the state since the return to democracy in 1999, despite being the largest senatorial district by population. He pointed out that Iwo local government in Osun West is the most populous in the state, with 191,348 people, yet the district has been overlooked for governorship nominations.
The group also provided evidence of Osun West’s strong support for the APC in recent elections. “In the 2022 governorship election, Osun West contributed significantly to APC’s votes, even defeating the PDP candidate — now the state governor – in six out of 10 local government areas,” Adejumo said. “Of the 343,945 votes received by President Bola Tinubu in Osun State, 102,826 came from Osun West.”
The group made an appeal to APC leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, former Governor Bisi Akande, and Adegboyega Oyetola, urging them to consider the district’s request. “Rewarding Osun West with the governorship ticket will not only reflect fairness but will also strengthen the party’s progressive ideals in the state,” Adejumo added.
He concluded by calling for the adoption of zoning in Osun State to ensure equitable governance for all regions.
