Osun 2026: Choice Of Ife Deputy Governorship Candidate As A Game Changer For Oyebamiji’s Victory.

By Kolapo Ogundare

As Hon. Bola Oyebamiji emerged on Saturday, December 13, 2025 as Osun State 2026 gubernatorial candidate on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), what comes next should be the choice of a running mate who will eventually fill the gap as a Deputy Governor in the state.

While it is understandable that the choice of Osun gubernatorial running mate is a critical decision for APC in the state. The party still need not to get confused in selecting a running mate for the upcoming gubernatorial election, with various candidates vying for the position a well thought out decision is expected from the stakeholders and decision makers so that the party can attain it’s desirable victory.

The APC has had to navigate through a series of primaries and internal party discussions to finalize their choice. The running mate’s role is crucial in supporting the governor in governance and ensuring the party’s agenda is effectively implemented. The choice of running mate is a reflection of the party’s strategy and the leadership’s vision for the state.

This position directly impacts the state’s governance and development and where such person comes from is utterly important. The Deputy Governor’s leadership is essential for the smooth functioning of the state government and the implementation of policies that address the needs and aspirations of the good people of Osun State.

Currently, it is no news that the APC has finally and by consensus picked Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, who is from Ikire and from Osun West, the same as the current governor of the state. The APC’s success in Osun State depends on selecting a candidate who resonates with the electorate and can effectively address the people’s concerns.

Bola Oyebamiji has never stood for elections before, both at the state and federal level, though he’s a very rugged grassroots politician with a clean record as an achiever. Oyebamiji would need to be paired with a politician who is popular, vocal, and trustworthy to support his candidacy – someone who has already made a name with structure and from a constituency with block votes. In this case, Osogbo and Ile Ife are top contenders, with Osogbo’s metropolitan city and Ile Ife’s traditional setup offering block votes.

However, picking a deputy governor candidate from Ife Federal Constituency makes lots of sense for APC in Osun State. This will essentially promote balance and inclusivity. The reality is that Ife Federal Constituency is a major zone in Osun State, and selecting a candidate from this area promotes balance and inclusivity within the party. Moreover it is a densely populated area where a significant number of voters comfortably reside.

A strong candidate from Ife constituency can help APC secure crucial votes needed for victory. Ife’s ancestral cultural significance is another added advantage as it is considered the cradle of Yoruba culture, therefore choosing a candidate from this area can resonate with the people and boost the party’s image.

With no shred of doubt by selecting a deputy governor candidate from Ife Federal Constituency, APC can strengthen its chances of winning the election and demonstrate its commitment to representing the diverse interests of Osun State with a landslide victory come 2026.

In light of the above, it will be uncharitable for me not to laud the efforts and interventions of the party leaders, who made the emergence of Bola Oyebamiji seamless, especially President Bola Tinubu GCFR, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, APC national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, and others for their guidance and unalloyed commitment towards a successful primary for Osun APC.

Just as history has marked these leaders out for excellence as AMBO emerged on Saturday, these esteemed leaders should also think it through and ensure that Ife Constituency gets the deputy governorship candidate slot for the greater good of Osun people and our indomitable party, APC. With our collective efforts, a new dawn for the progressives is here to stay in Osun State. May God bless us all.

*Kolapo Ogundare writes from Ede, Osun State.