Former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji, has emerged as the APC governorship candidate for the forthcoming Osun State election. Following a consensus process, party leaders adopted his candidacy at the primary held in Osogbo.
Earlier, Oyebamiji secured support after fellow aspirants, Kunle Adegoke (SAN) and Senator Babajide Omoworare, stepped down in his favour. As a result, a motion endorsing him was moved at the primary venue within Ebunoluwa Group of Schools.
The Chairman of the APC governorship primary committee and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, subjected the motion to a voice vote. Notably, party members present overwhelmingly approved the decision.
APC Affirms Oyebamiji Through Affirmation
Thereafter, Okpebholo formally declared Oyebamiji as the party’s flagbearer. “By the power conferred on me, I present to you Bola Oyebamiji as the governorship candidate of our party,” he announced.
Meanwhile, the primary committee had arrived earlier in Osogbo alongside senior party figures. Additionally, the delegation included Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Consensus Plan Gains Wider Party Support
Ahead of the primary, indications emerged that all seven APC governorship aspirants had agreed to back a consensus candidate. This followed a late-night meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
Previously, the party had announced that 1,660 delegates would participate in the primary election. However, the consensus arrangement eventually replaced a competitive vote, strengthening internal unity.
Omisore Endorses APC Decision
In addition, former APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, endorsed the consensus approach. Speaking later on a television programme, he said he accepted the decision after consultations with President Tinubu.
Although Omisore was among aspirants disqualified by the APC screening committee, he stressed that party cohesion remained vital. Therefore, with Oyebamiji now confirmed as the APC governorship candidate, the party has shifted focus to the Osun election.
