There is a sharp controversy with the All Progressives Congress in Osun West Senatorial District following a declaration by a former governorship aspirant under the party, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, that the leadership of the APC has assured him of the senatorial ticket.
Ogunbiyi, while addressing journalists on Saturday, said the APC leaders have told him that he would be the consensus candidate of the party for the Senatorial District.
However, his statement has generated controversies with members of the party who belong to the camp of other aspirants eyeing the senatorial ticket rejecting his claim.
Ogunbiyi, who stepped down alongside other aspirants for the APC gubernatorial candidate, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, also said he has collapsed his structure into the APC for Oyebamiji’s victory in the forthcoming election.
He said, “I am very sure of emerging as the consensus candidate for the Osun West Senatorial District by the special grace of God. The same way that everybody works and gives consent to Bola Oyebamiji to be the governorship candidate, by the same token, I believe in what our leaders are saying.
“Our leaders have individually and collectively mentioned to me that I will pick the senatorial ticket. I don’t have any reason to doubt them. So I’m putting on record to my supporters that we have not lost anything.
“The most important thing is for Bola Oyebamiji to emerge as the elected governor. If that happens, by the grace of God, I, Akin Ogunbiyi, from Iwo Federal constituency, by the special grace of God and the support of our leaders, I will emerge as the Senator of the West.”
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that some of the chieftains of the party who are eyeing the senatorial ticket have not come out to declare their interest.
However, the situation might change following the claim by Ogunbiyi that he has been told by the leadership of the party that he would be the consensus candidate.
It would be recalled that a former Corps Commander of Amotekun Corps in Osun State, Brigadier General Bashir Adewinmbi (retd.), in December, 2025, announced his intention to contest the senatorial seat under the APC.
Adewinmbi declared his intention while launching a N5.5 million empowerment programme for women, youths and business owners in Ede North Local Government.
The empowerment, tagged Adewinmbi-Ambo Solidarity Cooperative, was in support of the APC chieftain’s Senatorial ambition as well as the governorship ambition of Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji.
Adewinmbi, in a statement issued said, “Today marks a stepping stone toward the upliftment of our women, youths and Business owners in our communities, and indeed, the entirety of Osun West Senatorial District.
“Distinguished guests, as we journey towards the 2026 governorship election, let us remember that leadership is about service to humanity. Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji has pledged to prioritise women, youths, and community development, and his track record speaks for itself. Let us all support his campaign and vision for a progressive, inclusive, and prosperous Osun West and Osun State.”
Speaking to OSUN DEFENDER on condition of anonymity, a member of Adewinmbi’s camp, doubted Ogunbiyi’s claim, noting that it was too early for the APC leaders to endorse anyone as a consensus candidate for the senatorial district.
The APC members said Adewinmbi will continue his consultations with the leadership and members of the party in the senatorial district, noting that he is confident that the retired General will clinch the APC senatorial ticket.
He, however, urged the party leadership to, as a matter of urgency, address the claim by the insurance guru before it causes further division among members of the party in the senatorial district.
“With due respect to Dr Akin Ogunbiyi. I don’t think what he claimed is the truth. How can the leadership of the party promise him the senatorial ticket? Maybe he said what he said just to appease his supporters.
“Apart from my principal, Brigadier General Bashir Adewinmbi (retd.), I know other people will still come out to show interest. That is the beauty of democracy. We have a lot of capable hands in this senatorial district and that is a plus to our party.
“However, I want to urge the leadership of our party to come out and clarify this. There has been a lot of rumbling since Dr Ogunbiyi said what he said and we don’t need further division among us in Osun West Senatorial District,” the APC member said.er said.
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.
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