Osun 2026: I’m Not Contesting Governorship – Oyetola Tells APC Aspirants

Former Governor of Osun State and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has declared that he is no longer interested in contesting the 2026 governorship election in the state.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held in Osogbo over the weekend, Oyetola urged aspirants vying for the party’s ticket to engage in healthy competition devoid of rancour or personal attacks.

“I am no longer interested in vying for the governorship ticket with you. You should all avoid the campaign of calumny and be your brother’s keeper,” he stated.

Oyetola, who had previously been considered a likely contender alongside prominent party figures such as Senator Ajibola Basiru, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, Senators Iyiola Omisore, Mudashiru Husain, and Omooba Dotun Babayemi, emphasized the unity and strength of the APC in the state.

He noted that the increasing number of defectors joining the APC is a testament to the party’s growing popularity and readiness to reclaim power.

“This development has further attested to our vibrancy, potency and formidability. This has always been my dream to build a virile, potent and formidable party that would return the progressives to government,” he said.

Oyetola expressed confidence in the party’s chances at the upcoming gubernatorial election, and projected a massive win for the APC in Osun next year, as well as in the 2027 presidential election.

“We have many justifications to send the current government packing. With God on our side, we will win the governorship election next year in Osun State and deliver our state with massive votes for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he added.

The former governor’s declaration is expected to open the field for other aspirants within the APC to pursue the ticket without internal conflict, as preparations heighten ahead of the 2026 governorship race in Osun State.