Newscenter Media News Osun West Crusaders, a group within the Osun All Progressives Congress, APC, has reiterated calls for the governorship ticket of the party in the 2026 gubernatorial election in the state be zoned to Osun West Senatorial District.
This is as the group accused the administration of the state governor, Ademola Adeleke of executive irresponsibility, marked by a lack of vision, erratic governance, and policies that have scarcely enhanced the lives of Osun State’s inhabitants.
The group in a statement signed by AbdulGafar Blessing, on Monday also claimed that should former governor Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, choose not to contest, it is imperative for Osun APC to deliberate upon granting the party’s ticket to the Osun West Senatorial District.
AbdulGafar, maintaining that Osun West has served as the cornerstone of steadfast allegiance to the APC for several years added that it is equitable and just that the leadership of the party afford due consideration to Osun West.
He said, “For decades, Osun West has served as the cornerstone of steadfast allegiance to the APC. From the era of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to the Action Congress (AC), the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and now the APC, our people have consistently championed the progressive cause. We have contributed profoundly to the party’s triumphs and remain devoted to its success. It is, therefore, equitable and just that the leadership of our party affords due consideration to Osun West.
“Osun West is not only abundant in political dedication but also in credible and capable aspirants poised to lead our party to victory. We possess men and women of proven integrity, administrative acumen, and grassroots appeal who can be the torchbearers of the APC in the state. These individuals, drawn from diverse backgrounds, have demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the party and embody the leadership qualities requisite to reclaim Osun State from the current administration’s grasp.”
He revealed that it is known to all that Osun West has long been underrepresented in terms of gubernatorial leadership, having not had an opportunity to represent progressives in the highest state office for 26 years of current Republic.
He added that, “By prioritizing a candidate from Osun West, the APC would send a strong message of unity, demonstrating that the party recognizes and values the contributions from every part of the state. Also, supporting Osun West aligns with the democratic principles of rewarding loyalty and commitment, as the district has consistently shown strong support for the APC yet, lacks proportional political rewards.
AbdulGafar added that the agitations is not just an individual’s dream but rather a regional movement aimed at recalibrating the political landscape to ensure no single group is continually marginalised.
The group also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, Senator Ajibola Basiru, Alhaji Tajudeen Lawal and other APC leaders to consider the strategic implication of zoning the governorship to Osun West.
While expressing confidence that APC will win Osun State back if the ticket is zoned to Osun West in 2026, he added that this act will significantly enhance the electoral success of the APC in future elections, especially the 2026 gubernatorial election and demonstrate the party’s commitment to just political processes and its dedication to fostering a unified state where every district’s voice is heard and valued.
“Our commitment is not only to pursue balance within our political party but also to set a precedent for inclusive and reflective politics. With widespread community support and a vision that resonates across various demographics in Osun, this pursuit reflects democratic ideal that should be celebrated and supported.”
Meanwhile, leaders of the party in the Osun West Senatorial District have called on different groups within the party in the state to suspend all memos and communiqués regarding the party’s candidacy.
This decision was reached at an Osun West Senatorial District APC stakeholders meeting in Iwo on Friday.
At the meeting, the stakeholders unanimously agreed that former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has the right of first refusal for the party’s gubernatorial ticket.
The meeting, presided over by the Chairman of the Caucus, Akin Omolaoye, passed a vote of confidence in the party’s leadership at both the national and state levels, emphasizing that the APC will field the best candidate to win the 2026 governorship election in the state.
Omolaoye stated that Oyetola remained the party’s ticket holder unless he decides not to contest.
APC group renews call for zoning of guber ticket to Osun West