No anointed candidate ahead of APC primaries, says Alabi
Benedict Alabi, the former Deputy Governor of Osun State, says ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola is staying neutral ahead of the 2026 governorship race in the state.
Alabi, who served as Oyetola’s deputy from 2018 to 2022 under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has now thrown his hat in the ring to contest the party’s ticket.
Speaking to journalists in Osogbo on Wednesday, Alabi clarified that his former boss — now the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy — hasn’t endorsed any aspirant, despite close ties with some of them.
“Oyetola has a working relationship with Bola Oyebamiji, but that doesn’t make him the preferred choice,” Alabi said. “He’s wished all of us well and made it clear he’s not backing any one person.”
Why Alabi joined the race
Alabi said he delayed announcing his candidacy because he wanted to be sure Oyetola wasn’t planning a return to the governorship.
He emphasized that his motivation to run isn’t about ambition but about serving the people.
“I’ve walked through our towns and villages, worked with communities, and listened to the people. Their resilience inspires me,” he said.
A vision for impact-driven governance
Alabi said Osun State deserves leadership that can deliver visible change and rebuild trust in government.
“I want to lead Osun into an era where governance creates real impact,” he said. “Whether you’re a farmer, trader, artisan, or entrepreneur, government should be present in your life.”
He added that his leadership philosophy is rooted in inclusive growth, unity, and discipline, with a focus on unlocking the state’s full potential.
