A prominent group within the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), known as the Earliest Ilerioluwa Caucus, has thrown its weight behind the immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, urging the party to adopt him as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2026 election.
The caucus, which made its position known during a rally held in Iwo, described Oyebamiji as the most experienced and electable aspirant currently in the race for the APC ticket. The event attracted a large turnout of party members, particularly youths and women, and was aimed at boosting awareness and support for his governorship ambition.
In a statement issued by the group and obtained in Osogbo on Friday, the caucus maintained that Oyebamiji’s long-standing experience in public service and finance placed him in a strong position to lead Osun State, should he emerge as the party’s flag bearer in the 2026 governorship election.
‘Oyebamiji Has Capacity to Lead Osun to Prosperity’
Speaking at the Iwo rally, the chairman of the Earliest Ilerioluwa Caucus, Yekeen Abilagbo, said Oyebamiji’s track record in public service made him a natural choice for the APC. Abilagbo, a former chairman of the Federal Government’s Special Public Works Selection Committee in Osun, said the former commissioner’s experience stands out among the field of aspirants.
“Bola Oyebamiji has shown he has the capacity to lead this state to prosperity. He was Commissioner for Finance under two administrations and performed exceptionally well,” Abilagbo said, recalling Oyebamiji’s stewardship under former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola.
He further noted that Oyebamiji’s tenure as Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority also demonstrated his competence at the federal level. “He was also appointed by the Federal Government, and within the two years he served as the Managing Director of NIWA, his impact was widely felt. We want somebody like that, and we hope he emerges as the party’s candidate and the next governor of Osun,” Abilagbo added.
APC Chieftains Emphasise Experience, Party Loyalty
Also speaking at the event, an APC chieftain from Iwo, Taofeeq Adeniyi, acknowledged that all declared governorship aspirants on the party’s platform were qualified, but insisted that Oyebamiji stood out due to his competence and leadership qualities.
“All the aspirants are qualified; they are even better than the present governor. But we are supporting Oyebamiji because he is an experienced administrator, a banker of repute, and a leader who genuinely cares about party members,” Adeniyi stated.
He argued that Oyebamiji’s background in banking and financial management, combined with his political experience, would be an asset to Osun State if given the opportunity to serve as governor. The chieftain also commended the level of mobilisation at the rally, saying it reflected a growing grassroots acceptance of Oyebamiji’s aspiration within the party.
Party Dynamics Ahead of December 13 Primary
The endorsement by the Ilerioluwa Caucus comes amid intense jostling for the APC governorship ticket in Osun State, with no fewer than 13 aspirants so far reported to have expressed interest. Opitanglobamedia had earlier reported that several prominent figures in the party have already obtained the expression of interest forms.
Among those who have purchased the forms are former deputy governor, Senator Iyiola Omisore, former lawmaker representing Ifelodun State Constituency, Mulikat Abiola, and Bola Oyebamiji himself. The growing list of aspirants underscores the level of competition within the party ahead of the 2026 governorship poll.
All aspirants who have obtained forms are expected to participate in the party’s governorship primary scheduled for December 13. Party stakeholders say the primary will be a crucial test of the APC’s internal democracy and unity, as it seeks to present a strong candidate capable of reclaiming or consolidating power in the state.
Concerns Over Party Fortunes Dismissed
Addressing concerns in some quarters that the current political climate and the performance of the ruling administration might weaken the APC’s chances in the 2026 election, Abilagbo dismissed such fears as unfounded. He insisted that with a credible and widely acceptable candidate like Oyebamiji, the party remained well-positioned for victory.
According to him, what the party needs at this time is a unifying figure who commands respect across different blocs, understands the financial realities of the state, and can reconnect deeply with the grassroots. He argued that the show of support in Iwo was an indication that the APC base is still strong and ready to rally behind a candidate they trust.
Adeniyi also echoed this sentiment, stressing that the enthusiasm displayed by youths and women at the rally signalled renewed hope within the party. He noted that such energy, if sustained and properly managed, could translate into electoral gains for the APC in 2026.
Next Steps for Oyebamiji and the APC
With the primary date drawing closer, observers say Oyebamiji’s endorsement by the Ilerioluwa Caucus could boost his bargaining power within the party and shape discussions about possible consensus arrangements. However, party insiders also caution that other aspirants with strong political structures are unlikely to back down easily.
For now, Oyebamiji’s supporters appear focused on consolidating support across local government areas, engaging critical stakeholders, and presenting him as a bridge between technocratic competence and political experience. As the APC moves towards its December 13 primary, the dynamics around his candidacy and those of his rivals will likely come under closer scrutiny.
How the party manages its internal contest, whether through a competitive primary or a consensus arrangement, may go a long way in determining its strength heading into the Osun 2026 governorship election.
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