For years, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State stood as a textbook example of how internal discord can cripple a political party. Leadership tussles, factional rivalries, and clashing ambitions eroded cohesion, ultimately costing the party dearly in 2022 when Governor Ademola Adeleke secured victory despite the APC’s incumbency advantage.
Now, in a dramatic reversal ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, the party appears to have turned a corner.
In December 2025, more than 1,600 delegates endorsed Bola Oyebamiji as the APC’s sole candidate after other aspirants—including those backed by influential figures such as Iyiola Omisore and Babajide Omoworare—withdrew from the race. The consensus marked a rare show of unity in a party once defined by division.
Insiders attribute this shift to deliberate negotiations, strategic compromises, and the decisive intervention of President Bola Tinubu, whose endorsement of Oyebamiji helped consolidate support across factions.
A defining moment in this realignment was the stance taken by Senator Iyiola Omisore. Initially among the aspirants, Omisore was disqualified by the party’s screening committee over alleged guideline breaches. Rather than escalate tensions, he accepted the decision and aligned with Oyebamiji following Tinubu’s endorsement.
His move proved pivotal. As a major political force in Osun, Omisore’s backing brought along a significant support base that might otherwise have deepened divisions within the party.
Party sources say the message is clear: the APC is prioritising victory over internal rivalry.
That unity is also evident in the campaign’s structure. Veteran lawmaker Oluwole Oke has been appointed Director-General of the Campaign Committee, supported by regional coordinators across Osun’s three senatorial districts. The setup reflects a deliberate effort to build a robust, statewide mobilisation network.
According to party insiders, the campaign is meticulously organised, with operatives deployed across wards and local governments to ensure effective voter engagement and turnout.
This cohesion contrasts sharply with the opposition’s current state.
Governor Adeleke is seeking re-election under the Accord Party after internal disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), weakening the party’s traditional base. At the same time, former governor Rauf Aregbesola has aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), backing former Speaker Najeem Salau.
The result is a fragmented opposition field, with votes likely to be split across multiple platforms, while the APC presents a single, coordinated front.
Political analysts note that such organisational strength often proves decisive in elections, where structure and mobilisation can outweigh popularity alone.
Central to the APC’s renewed momentum is Tinubu’s influence. His endorsement has not only unified party stakeholders but also signalled the presidency’s interest in the Osun race—an indication that carries both political weight and strategic advantage in the South-West.
For Oyebamiji, the backing offers legitimacy and access to resources. For rivals, it raises the stakes in an already complex contest.
As the election approaches, the transformation of the Osun APC from a fractured entity into a unified political machine may prove to be one of the most consequential developments shaping the outcome of the 2026 governorship race.
