Osun Gubernatorial Poll: APC Expands Grassroots Network with 12,000 Canvassers in Ijesa South

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has intensified its grassroots mobilization drive ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election with the inauguration of more than 12,000 canvassers across the Ijesa South Federal Constituency in support of its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).

The inauguration exercise held on Thursday, attracted large crowds of party faithful, supporters and stakeholders across the constituency.

The programme commenced at Osu Town Hall in Atakumosa West Local Government Area, moved to Iperindo Town Hall in Atakumosa East Local Government Area, and concluded at S.B. Bakare Field, opposite Ilesa Grammar School, where canvassers from Ilesa East and Ilesa West Local Government Areas were formally inaugurated.

Speaking, the Director-General of the AMBO Campaign Council, Hon. Oluwole Oke charged the canvassers to deepen voter outreach efforts at the community level, emphasizing the importance of sustained engagement with residents.

He maintained that elections are won through effective grassroots organization, urging the party members to remain focused on expanding the APC’s support base across the state.

Also speaking, former Head of Service of Osun State and Federal Commissioner representing Oyo and Osun at the Federal Civil Service Commission, Dr. Gboyega Oyebade, described the inauguration as a strategic component of the party’s preparations for the 2026 governorship election.

According to him, the canvassers are expected to serve as grassroots ambassadors for the party, engaging directly with voters at polling units, wards and local government levels.

“We are here to mobilize canvassers across polling units in Ilesa East and Ilesa West. The essence of this programme is to acquaint them with the assignment of promoting the candidacy of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).

Following their inauguration, they will undergo training to equip them for effective voter mobilization across their respective communities,” Oyebade said.

He noted that the turnout across the various venues reflected growing enthusiasm among party supporters and commended participants for maintaining order throughout the exercise.

“To the glory of God, the crowd we have here is massive and very disciplined. There has been no violence, and everyone is rejoicing. By the grace of God, victory is certain,” he added.

The party chieftain disclosed that the canvassers were drawn from the four local government areas within the constituency, with 2,310 inaugurated in Atakumosa East, 2,280 in Atakumosa West, 3,960 in Ilesa East, and 3,630 in Ilesa West.

Party leaders described the figures as evidence of the APC’s expanding grassroots structure and readiness for the governorship contest.

Addressing the canvassers, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye expressed confidence in their ability to take the party’s message to the electorate and sustain momentum ahead of the election.

He said the APC remained optimistic about its prospects in the state, citing what he described as increasing public support for the party.

The event also featured a “Walk-to-Live” procession through major parts of Ilesa, with participants moving from Ilesa Grammar School through Okesa Roundabout, Isida and Ita-Akogun, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and grassroots engagement.

Leading the exercise were ; Co-Chairman of the Campaign Council, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye; Member representing Ijesa South Federal Constituency, Hon. Sanya Omirin; Chairman of the Ijesa South Campaign Committee, Hon. Femi Kujembola; Hon. Wale Adedoyin; and other APC leaders and stakeholders.