The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in Osun State, Adesina Adeyemi-Doro, has officially withdrawn from the race, throwing his full support behind Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This strategic move, announced at a media conference in Osogbo on Saturday, August 8, 2026, is seen as a significant boost to the APC's chances in the upcoming governorship election.
Consultations Lead to Alliance
According to Channels Television, Adeyemi-Doro emphasized that the decision was not made unilaterally. He revealed that he engaged in extensive consultations with his supporters, the state party chairman, secretary, and other senior officials before arriving at this pivotal alignment. The move is rooted in a shared progressive ideology between the two parties, as he explained.
"I am here today to declare publicly to the good people of Osun State our allegiance, support, and collaboration as we join His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, and the All Progressives Congress, APC," Adeyemi-Doro stated. "I have been watching the candidates closely, and after wide consultations with my state chairman, secretary, and other senior members of the party, we have reached an alignment. At the end of the day, we are all progressives."
He further expressed confidence that this political alliance would significantly strengthen Oyebamiji's bid for the governorship, urging all APGA members and his supporters to cast their votes for the APC candidate when the election takes place.
Oyebamiji Welcomes Endorsement
Responding to the endorsement, Oyebamiji expressed delight at the development, pledging an inclusive administration if elected. He assured APGA members that they would have a sense of belonging under his leadership. The APC candidate also reiterated that his campaign remains open to cooperation with individuals and political groups committed to the progress and development of Osun State.
This alliance comes at a crucial time, as the political landscape in Osun State heats up ahead of the governorship poll. The consolidation of support behind Oyebamiji is expected to reshape the dynamics of the race, potentially drawing more undecided voters and strengthening the APC's grassroots mobilization efforts.
Who is Bola Oyebamiji?
Bola Oyebamiji is the APC governorship candidate for the forthcoming Osun State election. He has served as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) since October 2023, appointed under President Bola Tinubu's administration. Before this federal role, Oyebamiji, who hails from Ikire, held the position of Commissioner for Finance in Osun State under two different governors, amassing significant experience in public finance and administration.
His track record in financial management and his recent leadership at NIWA are likely to be central themes in his campaign. With the backing of APGA, Oyebamiji's campaign is poised to broaden its appeal, presenting a united front of progressive forces in the state.
Impact on the 2026 Osun Election
The withdrawal of Adeyemi-Doro and his subsequent endorsement of Oyebamiji is a major political development. It not only reduces the number of candidates in the race but also consolidates opposition support behind a single challenger. Political analysts suggest this could pose a formidable challenge to the incumbent, Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who is seeking re-election.
The alliance between APGA and APC is seen as a pragmatic move to avoid vote-splitting among opposition parties, thereby increasing the chances of unseating the current administration. As the election draws nearer, more political realignments and endorsements are anticipated, making the contest increasingly competitive.
Both parties are expected to launch joint campaign initiatives in the coming weeks, leveraging their combined strengths and networks to appeal to voters across the state. The people of Osun State will be watching closely as these political maneuvers unfold, with the promise of a more vibrant and consequential electoral process.
