Oyinlola, Omisore back APC candidate Oyebamiji ahead of Osun election

Former Osun governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and former deputy governor Iyiola Omisore have declared their support for Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the August 15 governorship election.

Oyinlola, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), announced his support for Oyebamiji alongside Omisore, another prominent Osun politician.

“In this particular moment, Osun state requires a different direction. It is on this basis that we have resolved to officially declare our support for Mr Bola Oyebamiji,” Oyinlola said.

Oyebamiji, in a post on X, described Oyinlola’s endorsement as a reflection of a shared conviction that Osun needs a “new direction” based on justice, fairness, inclusion and development.

“I am deeply honoured by the decision of members of the PDP in Osun State, led by former Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, to endorse my candidacy for Governor of Osun State,” he said.

“This endorsement is more than political support; it is a reflection of a shared conviction that Osun deserves a new direction, one founded on justice, fairness, inclusion and development that reaches every part of our state.”

The APC campaign council also welcomed the endorsement, describing it as a major boost to the party’s campaign ahead of the poll.

The council said several political leaders from the PDP, Accord and other political structures had also thrown their weight behind Oyebamiji, including former senator Olasunkanmi Akinlabi, former secretary to the Osun state government Fatai Akinbade and former PDP national vice-chairman Tajudeen Oladipo.

The campaign council said the endorsements showed that the election was “no longer about partisan politics alone” but about what it described as the need for a new direction in the state.

Oyinlola, who served as governor of Osun from 2003 to 2010, had supported Ademola Adeleke, the incumbent governor, during the 2022 governorship election.

The APC campaign council said Oyinlola had since become critical of the Adeleke administration, accusing the governor of failing to fulfil his electoral promises.

The council also quoted Oyinlola as describing the Adeleke administration as a “voodoo government”, alleging that its actions, policies and financial dealings were shrouded in secrecy.

Oyebamiji said, if elected, he would ensure that government belongs to all citizens irrespective of political affiliation, senatorial district, religion or community.

“Every citizen deserves to feel the impact of government and every part of Osun deserves a fair opportunity to grow,” he said.

The APC candidate has anchored his campaign on a seven-point prosperity agenda, with emphasis on education, healthcare, agriculture, youth and women empowerment, wealth creation and industrialisation.

He has also promised to make transparency and accountability the foundation of his administration and ensure equitable distribution of government resources across the state.

The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026. (TheCable)