Osun: Former LG chairmen urge Oyetola to cede 2026 guber ticket to Oyebamiji

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Former local government chairmen who served from 2017 to 2022 under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State have urged the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to cede the party’s 2026 gubernatorial ticket to Bola Oyebamiji, the CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

The chairmen made this appeal after a meeting held at the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Office on Monday. While reaffirming their preference for Oyetola as their candidate, they stated that if he chooses not to contest, Oyebamiji should be given the ticket.

Speaking on behalf of the chairmen, former Boluwaduro Council Chairman, Hon. Akeem Tokede, described Oyebamiji as a charismatic leader capable of securing victory for the party. He also revealed that they had launched a campaign group, Grassrooters for AMBO, to support his potential candidacy.

“The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, remains our preferred gubernatorial candidate, but if he chooses not to contest, the NIWA boss should be given the ticket,” Tokede stated.

“If the minister decides not to recontest, he should cede the ticket to Oyebamiji because he has the charisma to deliver victory for our party when we mobilize for him. With our structure as former local government chairmen and our grassroots influence, we have the capacity to ensure his success in the election.”

Responding to journalists’ questions, Tokede acknowledged that the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, is also qualified to contest. However, he emphasized that if Oyetola endorses Oyebamiji, party loyalty would prevail.

“Senator Basiru will not destabilize the party if he is not given the gubernatorial ticket. I have worked with him before, and he is a core party man who respects leadership. While he is eminently qualified, we are throwing our weight behind the NIWA boss following our deliberations,” he added.