President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Bola Oyebamiji on his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Osun State and urged him to work towards securing victory in the August 8, 2026 election.
The president’s message was contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
Oyebamiji, a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), emerged as the party’s flagbearer at the APC governorship primary held in Osogbo. The primary was conducted through affirmation after other aspirants agreed to adopt him as a consensus candidate.
Tinubu said the task before Oyebamiji was to reclaim Osun State for the APC in 2026. He commended the Osun APC for the unity, reconciliation, and maturity displayed during the primary process.
The president also praised the aspirants who stepped down in support of Oyebamiji and urged the candidate to be inclusive by working closely with party leaders and former aspirants to sustain internal cohesion.
“The journey to reclaim Osun for the progressives’ fold in the 2026 governorship election has begun.
“I urge all the members and leaders of APC in the state to remain focused, united and resolute.
“Victory is achievable, and together, we will succeed,” Tinubu said.
Oyebamiji was formally announced as the APC candidate after seven other aspirants endorsed him. The motion for his adoption was moved by Kunle Rasheed and seconded by Senator Babajide Omoworare. The chairman of the party’s electoral committee and Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, thereafter put the decision to a voice vote, which was affirmed by 1,660 delegates drawn from the 30 local government areas of the state.
“By the power vested in me, I declare Oyebamiji as the APC candidate for the August 8, 2026 governorship election in Osun,” Okpebholo declared.
In his acceptance speech, Oyebamiji thanked the aspirants who stepped down for him and acknowledged the support of party leaders at both state and national levels. He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his leadership, pledging to serve the people of Osun and expressing confidence that the APC would emerge victorious in the 2026 governorship election.
