APC chieftain says party may zone governorship ticket to Osun-West

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Oluomo Sunday Akere, has disclosed that the party will zone its governorship ticket to the Osun-West Senatorial District if former Governor Gboyega Oyetola chooses not to contest in the 2026 governorship election.

Akere, who served as Commissioner for Information under the administration of Rauf Aregbesola, emphasized that the party’s focus would shift to the Osun-West Senatorial District should the current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, decide not to run.

Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, Akere, who was also a Special Adviser on Political Affairs to Oyetola, explained that while the APC has strong potential candidates across all three senatorial districts capable of securing victory, the party would prioritize Osun-West in the interest of equity.

He highlighted the district’s pool of qualified politicians who are ready to challenge incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke in the 2026 elections.

Zoning for Equity
Akere stated:

“The APC is a party with discipline and tradition, not only in Osun but across the nation. Former Governor Gboyega Oyetola holds the right of first refusal for the 2026 governorship ticket, and the decision to run is entirely his to make.

“However, if the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy decides not to run, our party will focus on Osun-West Senatorial District for its candidate.

“You should understand that the APC in Osun State has credible personalities across all three senatorial districts capable of delivering victory in 2026 against Governor Ademola Adeleke. But for the sake of fairness, the APC will give greater consideration to Osun-West for its candidate.”

Akere refrained from mentioning specific names but expressed confidence in the competence of major politicians from Osun-West, saying:

“Every major politician in the district is academically, psychologically, and morally qualified to wrest power from Governor Adeleke in 2026.”

Criticism of Adeleke’s Governance
Akere criticized Governor Adeleke’s administration, accusing him of mismanaging state resources and neglecting important state matters. He alleged that Adeleke spends excessive time attending parties within and outside the state at public expense.

He further remarked:

“Governor Adeleke has wasted state resources on frivolities. He rarely spends three weeks at a stretch in the state, prioritizing parties over governance.

“A clear example of his negligence was during the state burial of the late Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, an indigene of Osun. While President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the Nigerian nation to honor the fallen General, Governor Adeleke was nowhere to be found.

“This reckless approach to governance must end by 2026, God helping us.”