A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Oluomo Sunday Akere, has revealed that the party will consider zoning its 2026 governorship ticket to the Osun-West Senatorial District if the current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, decides not to seek re-election.
Speaking with journalists in Osogbo, Akere explained that Oyetola, as a former governor, holds the “right of first refusal” for the governorship ticket. However, if he chooses not to run, the party would prioritize fairness by selecting its candidate from Osun-West.
“The APC is a disciplined party with a strong tradition, not only in Osun State but across the country,” Akere stated. “Former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has the right of first refusal for the 2026 governorship ticket, and the decision to run or not rests entirely with him. If he decides not to contest, the party will focus on the Osun-West senatorial district for its candidate.”
Akere, who previously served as Commissioner for Information during Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s administration and as Special Adviser on Political Affairs to Oyetola, emphasized the party’s readiness to field a formidable candidate capable of defeating the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke.
He highlighted the presence of qualified and credible personalities across all three senatorial districts of Osun but maintained that zoning the ticket to Osun-West would ensure fairness and boost the party’s chances of success.
“Our party has credible individuals from all three senatorial districts who can secure victory against Governor Ademola Adeleke in 2026,” he remarked. “However, for the sake of fairness, we will focus on Osun-West if Oyetola decides not to run. All the political gladiators from the district are well-qualified to secure the party’s ticket and deliver victory.”
Akere expressed confidence that the APC would reclaim power in 2026, citing Governor Adeleke’s alleged underperformance as a significant factor. “Whosoever emerges as the APC candidate will undoubtedly defeat the incumbent due to his low performance,” Akere concluded.
The APC leader assured party members that the selection process would prioritize discipline, equity, and the party’s established traditions.
