Osun Iron Ladies Vow to Deliver One Million Votes for Bola Oyebamiji in 2026 Gubernatorial Race

Osogbo, Nigeria – As the countdown to the 2026 governorship election in Osun State begins, a prominent political women’s group, the Iron Ladies, has thrown its full weight behind Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), pledging to deliver a staggering one million votes to secure his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer.

The declaration was made during the group’s inauguration, campaign launch, and award ceremony, held at the Ilerioluwa Campaign Office in Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo. The event, marked by a strong show of support, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to advancing APC’s presence in Osun and strengthening its political machinery ahead of a fiercely contested election.

“A Man of Vision and Compassion,” Says Group Leader

Delivering the keynote address, Deaconess Adesola Ayangbile, State Coordinator of the Osun APC Iron Ladies Group, painted a glowing portrait of Oyebamiji as a visionary leader with grassroots appeal.

“The Lord has chosen for us a man of vision and mission,” she said. “His warmth and kindness have touched many hearts. His ability to connect with people, along with his generosity and compassion, are qualities that inspire loyalty and hope.”

According to Ayangbile, the group is not only backing Oyebamiji but is also embarking on a statewide door-to-door campaign to galvanize one million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a dual-show of loyalty and political mobilisation.

She noted that the Iron Ladies are fully prepared to serve as the engine room of the APC’s 2026 strategy, deploying their numbers and networks across all local government areas in Osun State.

Party Stalwarts Laud Iron Ladies’ Contributions

The significance of the Iron Ladies’ endorsement was underscored by the presence of high-profile APC leaders, including Hon. Timothy Owoeye, the immediate past Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly.

Owoeye, while addressing attendees, praised the unwavering commitment and organizational strength of the women’s group. He noted their “immeasurable contributions” to the party’s past successes and called on them to sustain their momentum as the state prepares for another crucial election cycle.

“You have proven over the years to be the backbone of this party,” Owoeye stated. “This is the time to consolidate on past achievements and show Osun and Nigeria that APC has not only strong men but strong women leading from the front.”

He encouraged the Iron Ladies to continue working in unity and dedication, stressing that their involvement would be key to building a “formidable and grassroots-driven party structure.”

Oyebamiji’s Camp Reacts: “Women Are the Salt of Politics”

Responding to the endorsement, Bola Oyebamiji, represented by his wife, Dr. Sekinat Oyebamiji, expressed gratitude and admiration for the Iron Ladies, acknowledging their crucial role in Nigeria’s political ecosystem.

In her remarks on his behalf, Dr. Sekinat described the women as “indispensable companions in politics,” emphasizing that no serious campaign could succeed without the input of committed and strategic female organizers.

“Women are the salt in the political soup,” she said. “Without them, every movement lacks flavor and strength. I thank you on behalf of my husband for this honor, and I assure you, your efforts will never be in vain.”

She also reiterated Oyebamiji’s commitment to women empowerment and inclusive governance, promising that if given the mandate, her husband would continue to create opportunities for women to thrive politically, economically, and socially.

Building Momentum for 2026: Strategy in Motion

The Iron Ladies’ early move is seen by political observers as a strategic push to shape the narrative and build momentum for Oyebamiji’s candidacy within the APC, particularly as internal party primaries draw closer. With their pledge to deliver one million votes through grassroots canvassing, the group is setting a high bar for mobilization efforts in the state.

Analysts also believe the group’s twin commitment to President Tinubu’s success in Osun reflects the party’s broader strategy of aligning local leadership with national influence—an approach that could prove crucial in states where the APC faces strong opposition.

The message from Osogbo is clear: the Iron Ladies are prepared to hit the ground running, blending political passion with organizational power in the march toward the 2026 polls.