Osun 2026: Oyetola Has No Anointed Candidate – Benedict Alabi

…joins gubernatorial race

Former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Benedict Alabi, has disclosed that the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola does not have an anointed candidate for the forthcoming governorship election.

Alabi stated this at his official declaration to run for the 2026 governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday in Osogbo.

According to Alabi, Oyetola personally assured him that he has no preferred candidate. “I know that Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola has no preferred candidate, I’ve been with him, I’ve asked him and he said there is no preferred candidate,” Alabi said.

Alabi cited Oyetola’s recent statement where he wished all aspirants success at the primary election, further reinforcing the notion that he has no anointed candidate. “If you listen to him, when he said he’s no longer contesting for governor, he said he wished all aspirants success at the primary election.”

Alabi acknowledged Oyebanji’s closeness to Oyetola as Commissioner of Finance, he emphasized that Oyetola’s word is reliable. “He’s a man of his word, and what he says is worth a penny.”

He said, “There is an insinuation that former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has a preferred candidate. In politics there is what they call body language, they call it projections, that is what is playing out.

“I know that Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola has no preferred candidate, I’ve been with him, I’ve asked him and he said there is no preferred candidate, and he’s a man of his word, and what he says is worth a penny. On that premise, I think the issue of a preferred candidate doesn’t come into play

“If you listen to him, when he said his no longer contest for governor, he said he wished all aspirants success at the primary election. There is no doubt that Alhaji Oyebanji is very close to Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, being his Commissioner of Finance.”

Unveiling his agenda under the theme “A Call to Collective Action for a Brighter Osun State,” to journalists Alabi described his aspiration as a covenant of service and results, not empty promises.

Alabi said that Osun needs leadership that will transform education, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and youth empowerment into practical dividends for citizens.

He said, “The future of our state lies not in words, but in bold action,” he said. “My ambition is not personal; it is born out of a deep calling to serve. I have seen the struggles of our people, but also their resilience. With effective leadership, we can unlock the full potential of our state.”

“We have a choice to make: to take bold action towards a better future or to wait passively for change. I invite all sons and daughters of Osun to join me on this journey. Together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come,” he added.