APC Will Avoid Rancor Ahead of 2026 Osun Guber Primaries, Says Ex-Speaker Owoeye

Osogbo, Nigeria –  Former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, has assured that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will navigate its internal governorship contest without conflict or crisis. His remarks were delivered Tuesday during the inauguration of the AMBO Youth Assembly in Osogbo.

The group, comprising young people drawn from all wards across the state, was established to rally grassroots support for the gubernatorial ambition of Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, the current Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority. The event served not only as a show of strength for Oyebamiji’s campaign but also as a platform for Owoeye to emphasize party unity.

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“No Room for Crisis,” Owoeye Assures Ahead of APC Primaries

Owoeye, a respected APC figure in Osun politics, acknowledged the competitive nature of primary elections but dismissed fears that the struggle for the party’s ticket would lead to divisions. “Everyone contesting is preparing for the party primaries. There is no doubt that it is one of the prerequisites for any aspirant to become a candidate,” he said.

He stressed that primary contests are natural in a democratic process and should not be allowed to breed discord. “As a party man myself, I believe party primaries need not cause rancor among the aspirants because when more than one person is contesting for a position, definitely one person would be chosen. Others will have to support the person,” he added.

Owoeye further assured that any post-primary disagreements would be addressed through internal mechanisms and party elders. “If there will be any [rancor], the party leaders will know how to settle the rift,” he emphasized.

Oyebamiji Touted as Frontrunner by Grassroots Support

Speaking on the momentum behind Oyebamiji’s campaign, Owoeye praised the efforts of several support groups, including the Ambo Women Assembly, Ambo Stakeholders, and the newly launched Ambo Youth Assembly. He highlighted these movements as indicators of deepening grassroots connections and growing popular support for Oyebamiji’s candidacy.

“Looking at it from the Ambo Women Assembly, Ambo Stakeholders, and the Ambo Youth Assembly, it means that Bola Oyebamiji remains the only aspirant to beat,” Owoeye declared.

He stated confidently that the widespread mobilization efforts reflect a well-orchestrated and people-driven campaign. “The way we are putting together the campaign for him is a way to tell the entire world that he is taking over Osun in 2026. There is no controversy,” he said.

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The launch of the AMBO Youth Assembly marks a strategic move in a campaign season where youth engagement is becoming increasingly crucial. With over 60 percent of Nigeria’s population under 30, political aspirants are placing greater emphasis on youth inclusion and empowerment.

At the event, young party members pledged allegiance to Oyebamiji’s vision and promised to canvas door-to-door support ahead of the party primary and the general election.

Observers note that the formation of youth-centered political support groups is part of a larger trend in Osun politics, where grassroots movements have historically played a decisive role in determining electoral outcomes.

APC Gears Up for a Peaceful and Strategic Primary

While Oyebamiji is emerging as a frontrunner in the pre-primary buzz, the APC has not officially released the full list of aspirants seeking its 2026 governorship ticket. However, party insiders confirm that multiple contenders have expressed interest, setting the stage for a highly competitive primary.

The party leadership, both at the national and state levels, has consistently advocated for internal harmony and fairness in the selection process. The December 15 deadline for primaries, as stipulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is expected to serve as a litmus test for the party’s internal cohesion.

With prominent figures like Owoeye assuring stakeholders of a peaceful process and support structures like the AMBO Youth Assembly taking form, the APC in Osun appears to be laying the groundwork for a tightly managed, grassroots-powered campaign that could shape the state’s political future.