ABUJA/OSOGBO — A faction of stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has blamed the party’s defeat in the August 15, 2026 governorship election on the leadership style and political decisions of former Governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola.

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The Osun APC Stakeholders Forum, in an open letter dated August 18 and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleged that Oyetola exercised excessive influence over federal appointments and the selection of APC candidates in the state, allegedly favouring his political allies and associates. The letter, signed by the forum’s Coordinator, Professor Akin Adeyanju, and Secretary, Honourable Sola Ajayi, claimed that the alleged concentration of political appointments and opportunities contributed to the alienation of party members and weakened the APC’s grassroots support ahead of the election.

The group specifically identified the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, his running mate, Benjamin Adereti, and several other political figures among those it claimed benefited from the political structure associated with Oyetola. It also alleged that 31 Local Government and 332 Ward Renewed Hope Ambassadors were appointed from the same political tendency. The forum argued that the alleged pattern of exclusion affected the party’s support across Osun’s three senatorial districts and contributed to its defeat by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Stakeholders Demand Investigation

The forum also alleged that Oyetola had substantial influence over the selection of candidates for the governorship, three senatorial seats, nine House of Representatives seats and 26 State House of Assembly positions.

According to the group, the alleged dominance of one political tendency created dissatisfaction among other stakeholders and weakened internal cohesion within the party.

The forum therefore urged President Tinubu to order an independent assessment of the APC’s leadership structure in Osun State, particularly the processes through which candidates were selected for the 2026 election.

It also called for a reconciliation meeting involving Oyetola, APC elders and aggrieved members, with the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) providing oversight.

Calls for Review of Appointments, Primaries

The stakeholders further demanded a fact-finding committee to investigate the party’s primary elections, complaints from aggrieved members and the distribution of federal appointments in Osun State.

The group said future appointments and electoral tickets should reflect broader consultations and accommodate different political tendencies across the state.

It also appealed for equitable distribution of federal appointments and future electoral opportunities among the three senatorial districts.

The forum maintained that its recommendations were aimed at rebuilding unity within the APC and positioning the party for stronger performance in future elections.

The allegations contained in the letter represent the position of the Osun APC Stakeholders Forum and were not independently established in the statement provided.