Osun 2026: APC Leaders Call for Unity to Secure Oyebamiji’s Victory

…As Progressives e-Group hold its End-of-the-Year Dinner

The Progressives e-Group, widely regarded as the leading online media advocacy group in Osun State, held its End-of-the-Year Dinner, Awards Presentation and Political Discourse in grand style at the popular Alubarika House, Akinlade Street, Alekuwodo, Osogbo.

The well-attended event on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 brought together top leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), media practitioners, party stakeholders and grassroots mobilisers, as part of strategic preparations ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship and the 2027 general elections.

In his welcome address, Prince Abiodun Collins, who is National Coordinator of group, expressed gratitude to God and warmly welcomed party leaders, guests and members. He traced the history and evolution of the group, highlighting its commitment to media engagement, party supremacy and progressive ideals.

Prince Collins explained that the revival of the end-of-year tradition was aimed at strengthening internal cohesion and promoting issue-based political discourse ahead of the governorship election. He reaffirmed the group’s loyalty to the APC, appreciated supporters and partners, and called for sustained collaboration to ensure electoral success at the poll later this year.

Former Governor of Osun State and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola (CON), served as Chairman of the occasion. Although he was unavoidably absent, he was ably represented by Hon. Oluremi Omowaiye, Executive Director, Projects Implementation, Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of Oyetola, Hon. Omowaiye expressed strong confidence in the APC’s chances of reclaiming power in Osun State, declaring that the party was fully prepared to defeat the incumbent administration in the next governorship election. He maintained that the APC remains a formidable political force, insisting that the party would present a credible alternative capable of restoring effective governance back to the state.

Hon. Omowaiye also criticised the present administration, accusing it of what he described as the deliberate weakening of state institutions, particularly the judiciary. He further faulted the quality of infrastructure projects across Osun State, alleging that several road projects were awarded to unqualified contractors, resulting in substandard work and rapid deterioration.

He urged APC members to remain united, disciplined and focused, stressing that cohesion within the party under the Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) candidacy would be the key to victory in 2026.

The APC governorship candidate for the 2026 election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), was the Distinguished Guest of Honour at the event. He was represented by Hon. Tunde Olalekan Olatunji. While delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Oyebamiji, Hon. Lekan Olatunji called on party members and stakeholders to work collectively to ensure APC’s victory in 2026. He commended the Progressives e-Group for organising the political discourse at a critical time, describing it as a strategic platform for reflection, mobilisation and consensus-building.

The dinner first lecture was delivered by Alhaji Ismail Omipidan on the theme: After a successful primary election, what are the next steps for Osun APC to win in 2026 and 2027?

Alhaji Omipidan commended Progressives e-Group for its renewed proactiveness and consistency in strengthening the APC in Osun State. He described the discourse as timely and strategic, particularly in the build-up to the 2026 and 2027 elections.

The deputy editor and head of politics at The Sun Newspapers argued that, the APC’s loss in the 2022 governorship election was as a result of multiple factors rather than the failure of the immediate past administration alone. He identified complacency, internal sabotage, leadership lapses, weak media engagement, poor election management, indiscipline and unresolved intra-party grievances as key issues, referencing findings of the Prof. Isaac Adewole-led committee.

He outlined critical steps for APC’s return to power, including total reconciliation and unity, full integration of new members, professionalised and coordinated media engagement, issue-based campaigns, youth inclusion, strategic voter-targeting committees, strict party discipline and credible election logistics.

He warned that internal disunity remains the party’s greatest threat, adding that victory in 2026 would naturally strengthen APC’s prospects in 2027 due to the advantage of incumbency.

In a second paper, Chief Kola Olabisi who is the Director of Media of the Osun State APC, highlighted the importance of the party’s peaceful and rancour-free governorship primary election that produced Oyebamiji as candidate. He described the outcome as a significant boost to APC’s momentum and a major challenge to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Chief Olabisi commended key party leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande and Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, for their roles in stabilising the party and reconciling aggrieved aspirants. He stressed that unity, reconciliation, inclusion, effective candidate branding and grassroots mobilisation remain the pillars of APC’s strategy towards victory in 2026.

Several party leaders and stakeholders were honoured with awards at the event, including H.E Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji AMBO, Senator Ajibola Basiru (PhD), Omooba Dotun Babayemi, Hon. Remi Omowaiye, Ambassador Issah Adedotun Niniola, Hon. Taiwo Olukemi Oluga, Hon. AbdulRahman Olalekan Badmus, Pharmacist Leke Ogunsola, among others.

They were all honoured with awards as “FRIEND OF PROGRESSIVES e-GROUP” in recognition of their contributions to the party, the group and the state at large.

The event also attracted notable dignitaries and media personalities, including Hon. Ibitoye Adeniran (Kinlomodemo), Hon. Taofeek Badamosi Abolubode, Hon. Akin Adeyi, Hon. Kehinde Ayantunji (Asalatu) and members of the Ileri Oluwa Media Team, alongside representatives of other media platforms.