Osun 2026: Tinubu meets APC aspirants, pushes for consensus candidate

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has met with leaders and governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, calling for unity and collective commitment as the party prepares for its December 13 governorship primary.

During the meeting, the President encouraged all aspirants to work together in the interest of the party and support the emergence of a consensus candidate capable of strengthening the APC’s chances in the 2026 election.

The appeal was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Onanuga said the meeting held on Monday night at the State House, Abuja.

Those in attendance included former Deputy Governor Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Dotun Babayemi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Kunle Adegoke (SAN), Babatunde Hareter Oralusi, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.

Also present were the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma; and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

Tinubu, according to the statement, praised the aspirants for their contributions to the party but warned against the infighting that cost the APC the last governorship election in the state.

“You all have a duty and obligation to the party by ensuring the candidate of our party wins the next election in Osun State. You must strengthen the bonds of unity, party supremacy and collective responsibility.

“I have absolute confidence in your ability to deliver victory to our party in Osun State. You have my support and that of the National leadership of APC to win the coming election,” Tinubu stated.

He urged them to “close ranks,” respect party supremacy and rally behind whoever emerges from the party-led process.

At the end of the meeting, the aspirants and party leaders issued a joint declaration pledging to support the consensus candidate.

In the statement, they affirmed the APC’s authority to determine the nomination process, agreed to abide by the consensus arrangement, and committed to avoiding actions that could undermine the party.

They also pledged to work together to ensure the APC’s victory in the 2025 governorship election and promote stability and good governance in the state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable shows that for the August 8, 2026 Osun governorship poll, political parties must submit their candidates by December 15.