Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Osun State in the 2026 election, brings over three decades of experience in banking, finance, and public administration to the race. Born on November 17, 1965, in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, Oyebamiji currently serves as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), a position he has held since October 2023 following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Career Path: From Banking to Public Service
Oyebamiji's professional journey began at Wema Bank Plc in 1989, where he started his career in banking. He later held senior roles at Trans International Bank, Spring Bank Plc, and Enterprise Bank, building a reputation in business development, regional operations, and financial management. His expertise in the banking sector earned him a Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, underscoring his professional credentials.
In 2012, Oyebamiji transitioned to public service when he was appointed Managing Director of the Osun State Investment Company Limited (OSICOL), now known as Omoluabi Holdings Limited. His performance in that role led to his appointment as Commissioner for Finance in Osun State under former Governors Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola. In this capacity, he oversaw budget implementation and revenue generation, key responsibilities that shaped his understanding of state governance.
Leadership at NIWA and Beyond
Before his current role at NIWA, Oyebamiji served briefly in 2023 as Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. At NIWA, his focus has been on improving inland water transport, expanding port infrastructure, and attracting investment into Nigeria's waterways sector. This experience has given him a national perspective on infrastructure and economic development, which he aims to bring to Osun State.
According to a statement issued on VoteAPC.com, Oyebamiji's candidacy is seen as a continuation of his commitment to public service and economic advancement. The statement highlights his track record in both the private and public sectors, positioning him as a candidate ready to lead Osun State.
Education and Community Engagement
Oyebamiji's educational background includes attendance at Ayedaade Grammar School in Ikire, followed by a National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Banking and Finance from The Polytechnic, Ibadan. He further pursued a Master's degree in Public Administration from Lagos State University and an MBA from the University of Ado-Ekiti, equipping him with a strong academic foundation for governance.
Beyond his professional and political roles, Oyebamiji is credited with supporting educational initiatives, youth empowerment schemes, and interfaith activities in Osun State. These community engagements reflect his commitment to grassroots development, which resonates with voters ahead of the election.
Election Context and Voter Preparedness
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, with over 2.3 million registered voters expected to participate. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has warned that vote buying and electoral violence will attract full legal consequences. Political parties in Osun have signed a peace accord in Osogbo, pledging peaceful campaigns ahead of the election.
PVC collection was extended until Friday, July 31, 2026, to ensure eligible voters can exercise their rights. The election is seen as a critical test for both the APC and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, with Oyebamiji's candidacy bringing a focus on economic management and infrastructure development.
Campaign Rallies and Political Dynamics
During an APC campaign rally in Osun State on Thursday, August 6, 2026, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo addressed attendees, repeatedly mocking Governor Adeleke over his dancing habit. Okpebholo claimed that Adeleke rarely attended governors' meetings in Abuja, a jab at the incumbent's leadership style. He also advised rally attendees to collect money allegedly distributed by the Accord Party but to cast their votes for the APC, highlighting the competitive nature of the election.
Oyebamiji's campaign has focused on his experience in finance and public administration, promising to bring fiscal discipline and infrastructural growth to Osun State. As the election approaches, his profile as a technocrat and public servant is central to his appeal, offering voters a candidate with a proven track record in managing resources and driving development.
With the election just days away, the APC's choice of Oyebamiji underscores the party's strategy to leverage his expertise in banking and governance to unseat the incumbent. His career, spanning from Wema Bank to NIWA, positions him as a candidate capable of steering Osun State toward economic prosperity, making the 2026 election a pivotal moment in the state's political landscape.
