The All Progressives Congress in Osun State will adopt a consensus process to determine its governorship candidate for the 2026 election, with accredited delegates expected to formally affirm the party’s choice during Saturday’s primary in Osogbo.
The chairman of the primary committee and Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, confirmed the decision during a meeting with stakeholders on Friday.
He urged party leaders, aspirants and delegates to cooperate with officials overseeing the exercise.
According to him, the party is committed to a transparent process that will avoid internal conflicts and strengthen unity within the fold.
Okpebholo said the committee arrived in Osun to brief members on the modalities for the exercise, adding that the process aligns with the party’s collective goal of reclaiming the state.
“This gathering speaks to our collective resolve, not only to strengthen internal democracy but to reclaim Osun State into the progressive fold and restore purposeful leadership to Osun State,” he said.
He added that all 166 accredited delegates will meet at the approved venue to affirm the party’s preferred candidate for next year’s governorship poll.
He warned that only properly accredited delegates will be allowed into the venue to ensure fairness and accountability. He also appealed for the cooperation of all stakeholders to guarantee a smooth process.
The meeting had in attendance key party figures, including the leading aspirant, Bola Oyebamiji, the Osun APC chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, ex-deputy governor Benedict Alabi, and former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye.
Two aspirants, Oyebamiji and a former House of Assembly member, Mulikat Abiola, were cleared to participate in the primary.
Seven others, including former deputy governors Senator Iyiola Omisore and Benedict Alabi, were disqualified during screening at the party’s national secretariat.
The co-chairman of the committee and Ondo State governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, urged members to close ranks and support the panel, stressing the need for unity before and after the primary.
Earlier in the week, the party elected 1,660 ward delegates who will take part in the process. The chairman of the congress committee, Shehu Dange, who announced the result, commended members for their peaceful conduct, adding that the delegates emerged from 332 wards across the state.
