2026: Osun Ex-Deputy Gov, Alabi’s Governorship Bid Divides APC
The immediate past governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola, and his deputy, Benedict Alabi, are at loggerheads over the latter’s decision to join the 2026 governorship race.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the announcement by the former deputy governor has caused a sharp division between the camp of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and the former deputy governor.
Alabi had, during a special service held at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church in Ile-Ife during the weekend, made the declaration.
Alabi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who hails from Ikire town, Irewole local government area, also stated that his decision was guided by divine instruction and reflection.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that there has been a massive call by members and some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress for the governorship ticket of the party to be zoned to the West Senatorial District.
The call, which has gained momentum, according to sources within the party, was championed by Oyetola to have the Managing Director/CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji, as the candidate of the party.
The choice of who picks the ticket of the party has divided members of the APC, with the National Secretary of the party, Senator Ajibola Basiru, also interested in contesting the governorship primary.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that some party chieftains have already endorsed Oyebamiji as the next governorship candidate, with many of them of the opinion that Oyetola stands no chance against the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke if he is given the ticket.
But the announcement by Alabi has changed the mood in the camp of the Minister.
Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, a member of the party within the camp of the former deputy governor who does not want his name in print said his principal has every right and capacity to contest the ticket.
The APC member said that as a former deputy governor, Alabi should be considered as the governorship candidate provided that Oyetola is no longer interested in the governorship seat.
“My boss has every right to contest the ticket, and going by his position as a former deputy governor, he should be the one to have the ticket if Governor Oyetola is no longer interested.
“This is the time for Osun West and in the zone, Alabi is still the leader of all those who we know are eyeing the governorship ticket.
“I don’t believe that Oyetola will be angry that his deputy showed interest in wrestling the state back from the PDP because there is a cordial relationship between them and he should support his former deputy.”
But a member of the party within the Ilerioluwa camp said the decision of the former deputy governor to announce his interest is against what the party stands for.
The APC member said the party leadership has endorsed Oyebamiji as the governorship candidate, noting that anyone coming out from the West Senatorial District to contest the ticket is going against the party.
“Once the Minister makes it public that he is no longer interested in contesting, which I think he will, the person we are supporting is Bola Oyebamiji.
“Any other person coming out to contest the ticket, especially from the West Senatorial District, is wasting his time. I learnt Senator Mudashiru Hussain is also interested. I can tell you he will suffer the same fate.
“Alabi did not consult anyone within Oyetola’s camp before going on to announce his interest. I don’t have an issue with him or any other person declaring their interest, but I can tell you that they will fail.”
Kazeem Badmus is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience. A professional in journalism and media writing, Kazeem prioritses accuracy and factual reportage of issues. He is also a dexterous finder of the truth with conscious delivery of unbiased and development oriented stories.
