President Bola Tinubu convened an emergency late-night meeting at Aso Rock Villa on Monday with approximately 76 All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders from Osun State, responding to an intelligence report from National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu that warned of deep internal divisions threatening the party's chances in the upcoming August 15 governorship election.
The gathering, which lasted several hours, was triggered by Ribadu's report indicating that many senior APC figures in Osun had been excluded from campaign activities and party affairs, creating a rift that could undermine the party's electoral prospects. Sources who attended the meeting confirmed that the President acted swiftly to address the grievances before the crucial poll.
How the Emergency Meeting Was Organized
According to The Punch, the Presidency directly contacted APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru to identify and coordinate the affected leaders. Chartered flights were arranged from Ibadan, Oyo State, for most delegates, while a smaller group, including former Senior Special Assistant to the President on Legislative Matters Babajide Omoworare, flew in from Lagos.
Among the attendees were former Speaker of the House of Representatives Olubunmi Ete, former state House of Assembly speakers Mojeed Alabi, Adejare Bello, and Wale Afolabi, as well as Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, Poju Odusola, and Bode Olanipekun. The diverse representation underscored the breadth of discontent within the party ranks.
NSA Ribadu's Warning and Party Discontent
An APC chieftain who spoke on condition of anonymity revealed the meeting's origin: "The meeting was at the instance of an intelligence report from the NSA. I am aware that he told Tinubu that many APC leaders in Osun were not happy and had not been carried along in the party's affairs, including the ongoing campaign. Ribadu said the development, if not urgently addressed, could jeopardise the chances of the party."
The report highlighted that key APC figures had been sidelined from campaign activities, a situation Ribadu deemed critical enough to warrant immediate presidential intervention. The President heeded the warning, calling the leaders to the villa to hear their concerns firsthand.
Grievances Over Federal Appointments and Party Structure
Attendees used the forum to raise specific complaints directly with the President, particularly regarding the distribution of federal appointments from Osun. A former lawmaker present said leaders told Tinubu that Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola had channelled appointments exclusively to members of his IleriOluwa political group, leaving the broader party membership with nothing.
The ex-lawmaker quoted Tinubu as saying: "Oyetola had all the resources to win his re-election. But he couldn't use them. Though he lost the election, I appointed him as a minister. In the real sense, it is the party that lost. So, go and work for the victory of the party."
Some attendees also expressed worry that even if the APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji wins the election, the IleriOluwa camp would again exclude other party members from government. The President reportedly responded by assuring them that federal-level positions would be available to accommodate all Osun APC leaders if state appointments proved insufficient.
Tinubu's Directives and Unification Efforts
Tinubu directed the leaders to unite behind Oyebamiji and ensure the party wins, referencing the losses it suffered in the 2022 and 2023 elections. The President emphasized the need for collective effort to secure victory in the governorship race.
Basiru did not respond to calls or messages seeking comment. However, Osun APC Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Olabisi, confirmed the meeting took place, saying: "Yes, I am aware. That is all I can say."
APGA Candidate Withdraws, Endorses APC's Oyebamiji
In a related development, APGA governorship candidate Adesina Adeyemi-Doro announced his withdrawal from the Osun State governorship race at a media conference in Osogbo. Adeyemi-Doro said consultations with his supporters and senior party officials informed his decision to back APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji.
Oyebamiji welcomed the endorsement and promised an inclusive administration open to cooperation with political groups across the state. This development adds momentum to the APC campaign as the election date approaches.
Who Is Bola Oyebamiji, APC Governorship Candidate?
Oyebamiji is the APC governorship candidate in the forthcoming Osun State election. He has served as MD/CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority since October 2023 under President Tinubu. The Ikire-born politician previously held the position of Commissioner for Finance in Osun State under two governors. His background in finance and federal leadership positions him as a key figure in the party's bid to reclaim the state.
