Bola Oyebamiji, a former Commissioner for Finance in Osun State and current Managing Director/CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority, has declared his intention to contest the 2026 governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Oyebamiji made the declaration on Tuesday at the Osun APC Secretariat in Osogbo, where he met with party executives and supporters to formally express his interest in the race.
“I am here today to honour the party’s structure and to inform our leadership of my intention to run for governor in 2026,” he said. “Before any advocacy or campaign begins, we must come to the party to seek their blessing.”
Surrounded by enthusiastic supporters clad in blue caps inscribed with “AMBO,” Oyebamiji was received by the top echelon of the APC in Osun, further cementing his readiness to vie for the party’s gubernatorial ticket.
Amid calls from some quarters of the APC for the zoning of the governorship slot to the Osun West Senatorial District, Oyebamiji aligned with the demand, stressing the need for fairness and regional balance.
“Yes, I am from the West. For equity and justice, we are appealing to our leaders to look into that senatorial district so we can balance the equation,” he appealed.
However, the aspirant emphasized his broad acceptability across all zones of the state.
“Whether from the West, North, or East Central, Bola Oyebamiji is competent to lead Osun State,” he asserted confidently.
Speaking on his capacity to deliver good governance, Oyebamiji highlighted his extensive experience in both the public and private sectors.
“I have served in government for nearly 15 years and worked closely with the party’s top leadership. I also have 28 years of experience in private enterprise. Combined, I have what it takes to run a good government if given the opportunity,” he stated.
When asked whether the APC, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has done enough to earn continued trust from Nigerians, Oyebamiji gave a resounding endorsement of the president’s performance.
“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has done very well. You can see how he’s restructuring the economy. Economic reform is the key to national progress. We are gradually moving from being a developing country to a developed one because of the right policies and decisions,” he said.
