JUST IN: NIWA boss Oyebamiji declares governorship ambition for Osun 2026

The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, has declared his intention to contest the 2026 Osun State governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Oyebamiji made the declaration on Tuesday during a meeting with supporters, youth groups, and political stakeholders at the Tinubu/Shettima campaign office in Osogbo. He later led the group to the APC State Secretariat to officially inform party executives of his aspiration.

Speaking to his supporters, Oyebamiji emphasized his readiness to govern, citing his wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors. He previously served as Osun State Commissioner for Finance.

“I have what it takes to be governor if my party, APC, gives me the ticket. We have seen how this state has been mismanaged. I am presenting myself to rescue Osun,” he stated.

He added that his performance in office led to his national appointment by President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

His ambition received a significant boost as prominent APC figures, including former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, and former aides to ex-governors Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola, publicly endorsed him.

Also backing Oyebamiji were Chief Sunday Akere, former Commissioner for Information, and Raheem Tadese, former Commissioner for Water Resources.