The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has officially support former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s bid for the 2026 governorship election.

The decision was made during a stakeholders’ meeting of the APC’s Osun West Senatorial District, held in Iwo on Friday.

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Party leaders at the meeting emphasized that Oyetola has the “right of first refusal” for the party’s governorship ticket. The gathering, chaired by Akin Omolaoye, also passed a vote of confidence in the APC’s leadership at both the national and state levels.

Omolaoye made it clear that the party is committed to fielding its strongest candidate for the 2026 election. He stressed that Oyetola remains the APC’s preferred choice unless he decides not to run.

The party leadership also issued a stern warning to various groups within the APC, instructing them to halt all memos and communiqués regarding the party’s candidacy.

“Party unity comes first—it’s more important than any individual’s ambition,” the leaders stated. They also urged external forces to refrain from making divisive statements or taking actions that could create rifts within the party.

Omolaoye further called on the APC leadership to zone the ticket to Osun West if Oyetola decides not to run, arguing that it would promote fairness and balance. He pointed out that Osun West remains a stronghold for the APC and has the potential to unseat the ruling party if given the chance to represent the APC in the next election.

“We don’t have a single ‘anointed’ candidate, but we are united in one thing—if Oyetola is not running, Osun West should get the ticket,” Omolaoye said. “We have over a hundred highly qualified candidates in this district, and our priority is to present the best one when the time comes.”

Among those present at the meeting were former Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi, former Speakers Mojeed Alabi and Adejare Bello, and Senator Mudashir Hussein.