The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has taken a decisive step towards the 2026 governorship election by selecting a consensus candidate. This move, aimed at presenting a united front, has nonetheless exposed underlying tensions within the party's structure.
The Emergence of a Consensus Candidate
Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, has been chosen as the party's consensus governorship aspirant. This decision is pivotal as the party gears up for the crucial 2026 polls. However, the path to this consensus has been rocky. A screening exercise held on December 5, 2025, resulted in the disqualification of seven out of nine aspirants, a move that has sparked debate about the robustness of the party's internal mechanisms.
Analysts suggest that the party must urgently revamp its candidate selection process to prevent a recurrence. Such a high rate of disqualification risks creating disaffection and bruised egos among dedicated party members who have invested heavily in their political ambitions. The party is now urged to engage in sincere and urgent damage control to heal these wounds.
The Weight of Presidential Influence and Party Unity
A significant factor in this political equation is the influence of the party's national leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His endorsement of the consensus candidate is seen as a powerful tool to consolidate the party's position and silence internal dissent. The sheer weight of this presidential backing is expected to deter any significant defections, as few would challenge a decision supported by the highest echelons of power.
For the less influential aspirants who were screened out, the advice is clear: accept the outcome and move on. The possibility of compensatory appointments or contracts is hinted at as a soothing measure. The ultimate goal is for the Osun APC to approach the election as a united front, learning from the devastating cost of internal wrangling that led to its defeat in the 2022 election.
A Call for Magnanimity and Strategic Foresight
The political landscape in Osun State is notoriously unpredictable and savvy. The 2026 election is projected to be a tight, three-horse race that could even go to a runoff. Therefore, complacency is a luxury the APC cannot afford. The party must treat every twist and turn with utmost seriousness.
For the chosen candidate, AMBO, the challenge extends beyond winning the nomination. He must demonstrate profound magnanimity in victory, embracing genuine unity over triumphalism. The example of the late President Umaru Yar'Adua, who publicly acknowledged flaws in his own electoral process, is presented as a model of political wisdom that earned public forgiveness and respect.
Unity is not optional for the Osun APC; it is the foundational requirement for any hope of victory at the polls. The party must actively rise against internal discord and destructive rivalries, understanding that no divided house can win a major political battle. The seed of victory, the article concludes, only bears fruit when it is deeply rooted in the solid ground of party cohesion and strategic harmony.
