Osun 2026: APC Aspirants Woo Aregbesola, Amid Post-Adeleke Visit Tensions

OSOGBO — The political landscape of Osun State’s All Progressives Congress (APC) is witnessing a dramatic shift as two top governorship aspirants, Bola Oyebamiji and Ajibola Basiru, are reportedly seeking to reconcile with former Governor Rauf Aregbesola ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.

This political overture, insiders confirm, is emerging as a direct fallout from the recent high-profile visit of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, his elder brother Deji Adeleke, and popular musician Davido to President Bola Tinubu at his Bourdillon residence in Lagos. The visit sent shockwaves through the Osun APC, stirring suspicion and disappointment among loyalists who felt blindsided by Tinubu’s warmth toward a rival camp.

Multiple sources from both Oyebamiji’s and Basiru’s camps disclosed that the sudden embrace between President Tinubu and the Adeleke family prompted a reevaluation of political strategies, especially as expectations of federal intervention in Osun’s 2026 elections now appear unlikely. The fear that Tinubu’s gesture signals neutrality—or even tacit approval of Governor Adeleke—has fueled anxiety and a desperate need for stronger internal alliances within the APC.

Sanwo-Olu And Tinubu Rebuild Political Bridge Amid Rumors Of Fallout

“The visit to Tinubu was a turning point,” a senior APC figure in Osun told DAILY POST. “Many felt it signaled a closure of certain doors and forced the party’s power brokers to consider Aregbesola once again as a key political pillar.”

Rapprochement as Strategy Against Adeleke’s Dominance

Former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, who led Osun State for eight years and holds significant grassroots influence, had been estranged from the mainstream Osun APC leadership, particularly from Adegboyega Oyetola, his immediate successor. But with the new political climate, his support has suddenly become valuable again.

In Oyebamiji’s camp, the move is seen as an attempt to revitalize a faltering campaign by reconnecting with a former mentor. “Aregbesola was Ambo’s political godfather. They never had personal issues, and now reconciliation is a wise and strategic move,” said an aide to Oyebamiji, while declining to comment on whether Minister Oyetola had approved of the move.

Ajibola Basiru’s faction, on the other hand, appears to have moved faster. A senior aide confirmed that emissaries have already been sent to Aregbesola to request forgiveness for past disagreements and to secure his backing for Basiru’s candidacy.

“Yes, we are in touch with Ogbeni. Politics is about interest, and there are no permanent enemies. Aregbesola still has a massive following in Osun, and that cannot be ignored,” the source said.

Mutual Accusations and Tensions Within APC

Despite the apparent unity in goal, the two camps—Oyebamiji’s and Basiru’s—are far from aligned. Each has accused the other of secretly sealing deals with Aregbesola, suggesting deep mistrust and a lack of coordination within the state APC.

One Oyebamiji insider accused Basiru of clandestine talks with Aregbesola without informing party leadership, while the Basiru camp fired back with similar claims. These mutual suspicions highlight the fragile nature of the party’s internal negotiations and the lengths aspirants are willing to go to secure influence.

As tensions rise, the recent actions of APC leaders in Osun—some of whom reportedly criticized Tinubu openly—have not gone unnoticed. According to sources close to the Presidency, the reports of discontent and realignment have stirred concern and resentment toward the Osun APC faction, seen by some in Tinubu’s inner circle as ungrateful and disloyal.

Owoeye’s Warning and The Party’s Future

Amid these shifting alliances, Timothy Owoeye, the immediate past Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, issued a public warning that Governor Adeleke is not welcome within the APC ranks, declaring that the party’s governorship ticket is “not for sale.”

His statement reflects the underlying fear that Adeleke’s charm offensive—now endorsed by Tinubu’s warm reception—could threaten the APC’s hold on Osun and fracture the party further if not carefully managed.

“The governorship race must be earned, not bought. And we must close ranks to resist any external attempts to divide us,” Owoeye said.

Presidency Watches Closely as 2026 Looms

As the 2026 governorship race approaches, these internal developments within the Osun APC could significantly shape its chances. The return of Aregbesola to political relevance in the state underscores the fragmented but strategic realignments underway.

Whether these outreach efforts succeed in mending fences or simply expose deeper rifts remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the APC’s pathway to reclaiming Osun may hinge on its ability to reunite its fractured base and align behind a candidate capable of competing against the entrenched Adeleke political dynasty.

For now, political watchers are keeping an eye on how Aregbesola will respond—and whether his return to the spotlight will be enough to rally the Osun APC before it’s too late.