The Osun APC Stakeholders Forum has blamed former governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, for the party’s defeat in the August 15 governorship election.
Ademola Adeleke, the Accord candidate and incumbent governor, won the election with 511,067 votes. He defeated the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
Why The Stakeholders Blamed Oyetola
The forum made the allegations in an open letter dated August 18, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu. The group said Oyetola’s leadership style contributed to the party’s poor performance. It accused him of favouring his allies and associates in federal appointments and elective positions.
According to the forum, Oyetola also selected several APC candidates without carrying other party stakeholders along. The group alleged that 26 federal political appointments were concentrated around Oyetola’s hometown and political camp. It also accused him of choosing candidates for several elective positions in the state.
“We respectfully submit that the principal reason for our defeat was the conduct of the immediate past governor of the state and Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola,” the letter stated.
The stakeholders said the alleged exclusion weakened the party’s support across Osun State. They added that it contributed to the APC’s defeat at the polls.
The forum urged Tinubu to order an independent review of the Osun APC leadership structure and candidate-selection process. It also called for a reconciliation meeting involving Oyetola, party elders and aggrieved stakeholders. The group further asked the APC to adopt a more transparent process for future candidate selection and federal appointments.
Conclusion
The allegations point to deep divisions within the Osun APC following its election defeat. Reconciliation and wider consultation could help the party rebuild trust and strengthen its position ahead of future elections.
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