Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, has explained why he will not contest the 2026 guber election in Osun, saying the All Progressives Congress (APC) is well-positioned with competent aspirants who can lead the party to victory.
Oyetola, who served as governor of Osun from 2018 to 2022, disclosed this during a meeting with APC stakeholders held in Osogbo on Friday.
He explained that his decision to step aside during the 2026 Osun guber election was not a retreat from politics but a strategic move to allow fresh leadership to emerge within the party.
“There are enough qualified, competent, and people of outstanding track records who could aspire to the office,” Oyetola said, adding that this diversity of capable hands is “a unique selling proposition to feast on,” which will help the APC regain control of the state.
Despite stepping away from the governorship race, Oyetola vowed to remain actively involved in the party’s efforts to reclaim Osun in 2026.
He urged party members to remain united and focused, warning against divisive tactics.
“I want to appeal to all our aspirants to embrace peace and be each other’s keepers by avoiding a campaign of calumny, bitterness, and politics of acrimony,” he said.
Oyetola stressed that APC’s return to power in Osun is “not negotiable,” promising that no legitimate effort would be spared in achieving that goal.
He expressed confidence in the party’s strength, describing the platform as “strong and able to unseat Governor Ademola Adeleke.”
On the national front, he dismissed the ongoing coalition efforts by some politicians against President Bola Tinubu, insisting the alliance poses no real threat to the APC.
“It is crystal clear that the coalition is drifting to collapse,” Oyetola said.
“This has no iota of effect on us, particularly in Osun. We knew this since it is the same TOP that metamorphosed to Omoluabi and later ADC.”
He also applauded APC members for their unwavering support since the party lost power in Osun in 2022 and urged them to mobilise for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and ensure the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing it as essential for electoral victory.
Oyetola reaffirmed his commitment to lead the APC to victory in 2026, not as a candidate, but as a party leader dedicated to unifying and strengthening the party.
The aspirants who attended the meeting include Mr. Kunle Adegoke, Omooba Dotun Babayemi, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, Senator Mudasiru Hussein, and Senator Babajide Omoworare.
