The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State is witnessing growing calls for the party’s 2026 governorship candidate to emerge from the Osun West Senatorial District. This push comes as stakeholders emphasize fairness and regional balance in the state’s political representation.
Background:
- Osun West Representation: Historically, the Osun West Senatorial District has seen limited opportunities to produce governors. Since the state’s creation, apart from the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke, only the current PDP Governor, Ademola Adeleke, hails from the region.
- Previous Governors:
- Osun Central: Chief Bisi Akande (4 years), Gen. Olagundoye Oyinlola (7 years), and Gboyega Oyetola (4 years), totaling 15 years.
- Osun East: Rauf Aregbesola governed for 8 years.
Current Developments:
- Right of First Refusal: Former Governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, retains the right of first refusal for the APC ticket. However, if he opts out, party leaders are inclined to zone the ticket to Osun West.
- Stakeholder Support: Prominent party figures, such as Oluomo Sunday Akere, have voiced support for this zoning arrangement, emphasizing that fairness and balance necessitate prioritizing Osun West in the selection process.
Why Osun West?
- Equity: Advocates argue that giving Osun West another opportunity will ensure a more balanced political representation across the state’s senatorial districts.
- Strategic Positioning: With PDP’s Ademola Adeleke from Osun West, APC leaders believe a candidate from the same region could enhance the party’s competitiveness in 2026.
APC’s Plan Forward:
- Credible Candidates: Akere emphasized that the party has strong candidates across all districts but will focus on Osun West if Oyetola declines to run.
- Unified Front: Ensuring internal cohesion and leveraging regional dynamics will be crucial as the APC prepares for the 2026 elections.
The push for Osun West underscores the APC’s intent to balance political equity while positioning itself to reclaim power in the next election cycle.
CREDIT: Allschoolabs, THE NATION
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