Reinstated local government chairmen in Osun State have found themselves at odds over the choice of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate ahead of the 2026 election, sparking division within their ranks.
While a faction of the chairmen openly endorsed the Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, others have strongly distanced themselves from the move, insisting that only the party leadership can decide its candidate.
In a statement on Monday, former Boluwaduro Local Government Chairman, Akeem Tokede, claimed to speak on behalf of the reinstated chairmen, revealing that they had appealed to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to support Oyebamiji’s candidacy.
“The Minister remains our preferred candidate, but should he decide not to contest, we strongly believe the NIWA boss deserves the ticket. As grassroots politicians, we have the structure to mobilize and ensure his victory,” Tokede stated.
However, the Osun chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) swiftly countered this position on Tuesday. In a press release signed by its chairman, Samuel Abiodun, ALGON denied that the endorsement was a collective decision.
“What was stated in the purported meeting and release represented their personal opinions, not the consensus of Osun ALGON members or the reinstated council chairmen,” Abiodun declared.
He warned that such actions could breed disaffection within the party and reiterated that the final decision on the APC governorship ticket lies with the party hierarchy.
“This matter falls under the authority of our party leadership, led by His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola and Alhaji Taju Lawal, the APC chairman in Osun State. We must allow due process and avoid unnecessary distractions,” Abiodun added.
Cautioning both current and former council chairmen against causing internal rifts, he advised them to refrain from public endorsements that could create division.
“We remain loyal to the party and its leadership. It is premature to declare support for any aspirant when the party has yet to decide. Such actions are unwarranted and should be disregarded entirely,” he concluded.
