Politics

APC group demands zoning of Osun governorship ticket to Osun West

The Osun West Crusaders, a faction within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has once again called for the party’s 2026 gubernatorial ticket to be zoned to the Osun West Senatorial District.

The group also criticized the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke, accusing his administration of executive irresponsibility, erratic governance, and ineffective policies that have not improved the lives of the state’s residents.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by AbdulGafar Blessing, the group argued that if former governor Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola decides not to contest, it is essential for the APC to consider granting the party’s ticket to the Osun West district.

AbdulGafar emphasized that Osun West has long been a stronghold for the APC, with its residents having consistently supported the party for decades, starting from the era of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) through to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and now the APC. He stated, “For decades, Osun West has served as the cornerstone of steadfast allegiance to the APC. Our people have consistently championed the progressive cause and have significantly contributed to the party’s victories. It is only fair that the leadership of our party gives Osun West due consideration in the upcoming election.”

He further asserted that the district is rich not only in political loyalty but also in capable and credible candidates ready to lead the APC to victory. These individuals, according to AbdulGafar, possess proven integrity, administrative competence, and broad grassroots support.

“Osun West is long overdue for gubernatorial representation,” he added. “For 26 years, the district has not had the opportunity to hold the highest office in the state. By prioritizing a candidate from Osun West, the APC would send a clear message of unity and fairness, recognizing the district’s long-standing support for the party.”

The group’s call for zoning the governorship ticket to Osun West aligns with a broader regional movement to ensure that no part of the state is continually marginalized. AbdulGafar emphasized that this effort was not about individual ambition but about recalibrating the political landscape for a more inclusive representation.

The group also urged prominent APC leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, former Governor Bisi Akande, former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, Senator Ajibola Basiru, and Alhaji Tajudeen Lawal, to consider the strategic importance of zoning the ticket to Osun West.

Expressing confidence that the APC would win back Osun State if the governorship ticket is zoned to the district, AbdulGafar added that this move would strengthen the party’s position in the 2026 election and beyond. “This act will foster a more balanced and inclusive political environment, ensuring that all regions have their voices heard,” he stated.

Meanwhile, leaders of the APC in the Osun West Senatorial District have requested that all party groups in the state halt discussions or communications regarding the governorship candidacy until further notice.

This decision was made at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Iwo on Friday, where it was unanimously agreed that former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has the “right of first refusal” for the party’s gubernatorial ticket.

Akin Omolaoye, Chairman of the Osun West APC Caucus, presided over the meeting and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to fielding the best candidate for the 2026 governorship election. He emphasized that Oyetola would remain the APC’s candidate unless he chooses not to contest. The meeting also passed a vote of confidence in both the national and state leadership of the APC.

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