The All Progressives Congress (APC) has settled for the immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, as its consensus candidate for the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, marking a decisive moment in the party’s preparations for the polls.
Oyebamiji’s emergence followed a dramatic consensus arrangement at the party’s governorship primary held in Osogbo, the Osun State capital. Naija247News gathered that the decision was formalised after two prominent aspirants, Kunle Adegoke (SAN) and former senator Babajide Omoworare, jointly moved a motion endorsing Oyebamiji as the party’s preferred candidate.
The motion was subjected to a voice vote by the chairman of the APC governorship primary committee and Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, and was met with overwhelming approval from delegates and party stakeholders present at the venue. Declaring the outcome, Okpebholo announced Oyebamiji as the duly nominated flagbearer of the party.
Naija247News understands that the primary election was conducted through affirmation, reflecting the party’s resolve to present a united front ahead of the governorship contest. Party leaders described the process as a strategic move aimed at consolidating internal cohesion and avoiding post-primary disputes that could weaken the APC’s electoral chances in Osun.
Sources within the party told Naija247News that the consensus arrangement followed extensive consultations and high-level meetings involving key stakeholders, including President Bola Tinubu. It was gathered that several aspirants agreed to step down in the interest of party unity after late-night discussions at the Presidential Villa earlier in the week.
The primary election committee included influential figures from across the country, among them the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, and a former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. Their presence underscored the national leadership’s interest in the Osun governorship race.
Naija247News reports that ahead of the primary, 1,660 delegates had been accredited to participate in the process, although the consensus approach ultimately rendered balloting unnecessary. Party officials maintained that the affirmation method was in line with APC guidelines and reflected the will of party members.
Reacting to the development, APC leaders expressed confidence that Oyebamiji’s administrative experience and political background would strengthen the party’s chances of reclaiming Osun State. They described his emergence as a blend of continuity and renewed vision for governance in the state.
Meanwhile, political observers note that Oyebamiji’s candidacy sets the stage for an intense governorship contest, with the APC seeking to capitalise on internal unity while preparing to challenge rival parties in what is expected to be a closely watched election. Naija247News understands that campaign structures are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks as the party transitions from primary mode to full-scale electioneering.
Babatunde Ogunsakin ✔
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