Consensus And Contention? Osun APC Faces Fresh Test Of Strength Before 2026 Polls

The internal political temperature in Osun State has risen sharply following revelations that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has finalized its consensus list of candidates ahead of the 2026 governorship and 2027 general elections.

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According to reliable insider sources, the list, drawn by top APC caucus members in Osun, is to be presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja on Monday for final endorsement.

The list features Bola Oyebamiji as the party’s governorship candidate, Remi Omowaiye as his running mate, Akin Ogunbiyi as Osun West Senatorial Candidate, Gboyega Oyetola for Osun Central, and Iyiola Omisore for Osun East Senatorial District.

Though designed to project party unity and prevent divisive primaries, the consensus arrangement has already begun to stir debates among party faithful and political watchers, with implications for both APC and PDP in the state.

*Impact on APC Members in Osun*

The decision to adopt a consensus list may strengthen internal coordination but also risks alienating ambitious members who feel sidelined in the process.

Bola Oyebamiji, a former Commissioner for Finance under ex-Governor Gboyega Oyetola, is widely regarded as a loyal and competent technocrat with deep administrative experience. His emergence as the preferred governorship candidate consolidates the influence of the Oyetola political structure, which remains dominant in Osun APC.

However, this move could generate friction among other factions, particularly within groups loyal to former Deputy Speaker Lasun Yusuf and ex-minister Rauf Aregbesola, who have often opposed the Oyetola camp. For the consensus ticket to succeed, Oyebamiji will have to embark on wide-reaching reconciliation efforts across all senatorial districts.

The selection of Remi Omowaiye as deputy governorship candidate also sends strong political signals. Omowaiye, a former Commissioner for Works and a grassroots mobilizer from Ilesa in Osun East, is known for his loyalty and energy. His inclusion provides regional balance—pairing Osun West (Oyebamiji) with Osun East (Omowaiye), and brings youth appeal to the ticket.

However, his emergence may affect other political figures from the same zone, particularly Hon. Timothy Owoeye, the former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, who also hails from Ilesa.

Owoeye has long been a prominent figure within the Oyetola camp and was considered a potential deputy governorship candidate or senatorial aspirant for Osun East.

With Omowaiye now favored for deputy governor and Iyiola Omisore reportedly penciled in for the Osun East Senate race, Owoeye’s future political placement becomes uncertain. Party insiders suggest he may be compensated with a federal appointment, possibly within the legislative or party structure, as a way to keep him aligned and prevent defection or silent rebellion.

*Oyetola’s Re-emergence and Omisore’s Return*

The inclusion of Gboyega Oyetola, the current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, as the consensus candidate for Osun Central Senatorial District underscores his continuing dominance within Osun APC. His potential return to elective politics signals that the former governor may be planning a broader political comeback—perhaps to reinforce APC’s legislative influence in the state and consolidate his camp’s control ahead of future contests.

However, Oyetola’s senatorial ambition could unsettle Senator Ajibola Basiru, the current APC National Secretary, who also hails from Osun Central. Basiru, a former Senate spokesperson and close ally of Tinubu, holds a powerful position at the national level. While Basiru is not on the current consensus list, his political standing remains significant. Many observers believe he may retain his influential national role rather than seek a return to the Senate, acting as a bridge between the Tinubu presidency and Osun APC.

In the case of Iyiola Omisore, the former National Secretary of the APC and ex-Deputy Governor of Osun State, his nomination as Osun East Senatorial candidate marks a potential return to elective politics. Omisore, a seasoned political strategist, remains a controversial but indispensable figure in Osun’s political calculations.

Having previously served as a senator and key figure in both the PDP and APC, Omisore’s re-emergence could divide opinion in Osun East. While his political weight is undeniable, his candidacy may trigger rivalry among local leaders, including former Speaker Owoeye and other younger aspirants who have long awaited opportunities to rise.

*Akin Ogunbiyi’s Strategic Position*

Perhaps the most surprising name on the list is Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, the insurance magnate and former PDP chieftain, now positioned as the consensus candidate for Osun West Senatorial District. Ogunbiyi’s inclusion demonstrates APC’s strategic outreach to former opposition figures who command grassroots loyalty and financial clout.

As a 2018 PDP governorship aspirant who defected to the APC in 2022, Ogunbiyi’s business acumen and wide philanthropic influence could attract moderate voters and professionals. However, core APC loyalists who have worked within the party for years may feel overlooked, raising concerns about internal fairness and ideological cohesion.

*Impact on PDP in Osun*

For the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, the emergence of this powerful APC lineup represents both a warning and an opportunity.

The APC’s consensus list brings together strong, experienced figures, technocrats, administrators, and veteran politicians, who could mount a serious challenge to PDP dominance in 2026 and 2027. The Oyebamiji-Omowaiye governorship ticket offers regional balance, while the senatorial candidates bring credibility and political capital.

However, internal contradictions within APC could play into the PDP’s hands. If unresolved grievances push aggrieved members to defect or sabotage the party’s campaigns, Adeleke’s PDP could exploit those cracks to consolidate power.

Governor Adeleke’s popularity, bolstered by ongoing infrastructure projects and his populist approach, still resonates across Osun. But the reorganization of the APC suggests that the next governorship election will not be a walkover.

At the senatorial level, the PDP will face intense competition:

In Osun Central, Gboyega Oyetola could pose a major threat to any PDP candidate, given his stature and resources.

In Osun East, Iyiola Omisore’s return could unsettle Senator Francis Fadahunsi of the PDP, reviving old political rivalries.

In Osun West, Akin Ogunbiyi will battle Senator Lere Oyewumi, another heavyweight, in what promises to be a contest of influence and legacy.

*What Becomes of Current Senators*

The emergence of this consensus list effectively signals a total shakeup of representation plans within Osun APC. Even though the party currently lacks senatorial seats from the 2023 elections, this lineup shows the party’s readiness to reclaim ground from the PDP.

For the current PDP senators, Fadahunsi (East), Fadeyi (Central), and Oyewumi (West), the 2027 elections will now be survival battles. Each faces formidable APC challengers with national networks, federal backing, and deep pockets.

The Osun APC consensus list marks the dawn of a new political strategy designed to rebuild unity, attract old allies, and reclaim power from the PDP. But its success depends heavily on how the party manages internal egos, compensates sidelined leaders like Timothy Owoeye, and harmonizes its factions under one campaign umbrella.

If the party sustains unity and discipline, the 2026 and 2027 elections may tilt in its favor. But if factionalism festers, as seen in 2022, Governor Adeleke and the PDP could easily capitalize on the divisions to secure a second term.

One thing, however, is certain; Osun’s 2026–2027 political season will be a high-stakes contest between experience, loyalty, and survival.