Osun APC guber ticket: Aspirants emerge, battle lines drawn

With the 2026 Osun gubernatorial contest, slated for Saturday, August 8, 2026, it is not surprising that the jockeying to win the governorship ticket, especially for the All Progressives Congress (APC) is on. OF course, the incumbent governor will clinch the ticket of his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). So, all eyes and interests would be on the APC.

- BY ABIODUN KOMOLAFE

Well, there are two issues of concern here, which must be taken into cognizance in working out the permutations. In the first place, would zoning be an issue? If it is, in what direction and in whose favour? Indeed, this is a tricky proposition for the APC!

If the candidacy is not zoned to the West Senatorial District of the state, it would be tantamount to, by conventional wisdom, shortchanging the West. There is a lacuna here, though: will a victorious candidate from the West pledge to do just a term? If such a pledge is not given, or taken seriously, what would be the attitude of the other zones, or, perhaps, this will not really matter if people are concentrating on bread-and-butter issues relating to their cost of living and their immediate prospects for survival.

The second issue is that, despite the early stage, we haven't seen a candidate or candidature with a clear programme offering a distinct alternative to the current PDP government. On the surface, there doesn't seem to be widespread disaffection with the PDP government, perhaps just indifference. As Harold Wilson aptly noted, “A week is a long time in politics”, and dynamics can shift rapidly.

So far, the following aspirants appear to have shown interest in contesting for the APC candidacy: Dotun Babayemi (ODB), Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), Iyiola Omisore, Akin Ogunbiyi, Benedict Gboyega Alabi (BOA), and Mudashiru Husain.

Babayemi is a 'journey-man-come-lately' to the race. Will this be a disadvantage? The Gbongan, Osun State-born lawyer and philanthropist has already started vigorous grassroots campaigns, which have been commendably featured on television. However, the snippets don't reveal a clear, well-worked-out manifesto - perhaps that will come later. For now, connecting with the grassroots base seems to be his main focus.