Tinubu Endorses Oyebamiji as APC’s Osun Flagbearer, Calls for Unity Ahead of 2026 Showdown

OSOGBO – In a move signaling the official start of the 2026 Osun State governorship campaign, President Bola Tinubu has formally endorsed the candidacy of Bola Oyebamiji, the former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), following his affirmation as the All Progressives Congress (APC) standard-bearer.

The endorsement, delivered via a statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extends beyond mere congratulations. It frames Oyebamiji’s uncontested primary victory as a strategic triumph for party cohesion, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle to unseat the incumbent administration.

A Primary Defined by Consensus, Not Contest

Unlike typical party primaries marked by fierce competition, the Osun APC event, chaired by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, was conducted through affirmation. President Tinubu specifically praised this process, highlighting the “unity and spirit of reconciliation” that preceded it and commending other aspirants who stepped down for Oyebamiji.

This display of internal discipline, analysts suggest, is a direct response to the recent political upheaval in the state following Governor Ademola Adeleke’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The APC appears to be prioritizing a united front to capitalize on the shifting political landscape.

Strategic Implications for the 2026 Osun Election

Tinubu’s statement explicitly frames the mission: “The journey to reclaim Osun State for the progressive fold… has begun.” This language positions the upcoming election as a reclamation project, directly challenging the current PDP-led government. The President’s call for members to remain “focused, united, and resolute” underscores the national party’s view of Osun as a critical battleground state.

Oyebamiji’s profile as a former federal agency chief brings a mix of bureaucratic experience and technocratic credentials to the ticket. His challenge will be to translate this federal-level experience into a compelling local governance message that resonates with Osun voters, who have historically been swayed by a mix of grassroots sentiment and developmental promises.

The Magnanimity Mandate and Road Ahead

A key directive from the President was for Oyebamiji to be “magnanimous in victory” and to ensure “inclusivity and cohesion.” This is a standard but crucial post-primary directive, aimed at healing any latent divisions and integrating the structures of former aspirants into a single, formidable campaign machine.

The APC’s early consolidation of its candidate, nearly two years before the election, provides Oyebamiji with a significant runway to campaign, build name recognition, and articulate a policy vision. It stands in contrast to the potential for protracted primaries and allows the party to present a settled team to the electorate well in advance.

However, the true test will be whether this early unity can be sustained against the pressures of a long campaign and the robust political machinery of the incumbent. The 2026 Osun gubernatorial race is now firmly on the national political calendar as a key indicator of the APC’s strength in Nigeria’s South-West region.

This report is based on information from a primary source: Channels Television report on Tinubu hailing Oyebamiji’s emergence.