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The leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, at the national and state levels have been asked to zone the gubernatorial ticket of the party for the 2026 election in Osun State to Osun West Senatorial District.

The call is coming amid agitations within the APC in the state for the next gubernatorial candidate to emerge from the zone.

The call was made by the an Osun APC group from the Osun West Senatorial District, the Osun West Senatorial Front, OWSF, at a press conference on Monday.

In his remarks on behalf of the group, Taiwo Adejumo, from Egbedore local government, who acknowledged that the former governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has the Right of First Refusal, urged the party leadership to cede the ticket to the zone, should he decide not to run again.

He said, “The minister has the Right of First Refusal. Our advocacy is conditional on his decision for 2026.

“We join other patriots to advocate for fairness by urging the APC leadership to zone the 2026 governorship ticket to Osun West Senatorial District, should His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola decide not to run.

Highlighting Osun West’s lack of representation, Adejumo said, “Since the return to democracy in 1999, the progressive party has governed Osun State for 16 years, but none of those years were led by someone from Osun West, despite it being the largest senatorial district by population.”

Citing population data from the 2006 census, Adejumo noted that Iwo local government is the most populous in Osun State with 191,348 people.

“Despite our consistent support for the APC, our district has been overlooked for governorship nominations.”

The group also presented election results to substantiate their claim of unwavering support for the APC.

“In the 2022 governorship election, Osun West contributed significantly to APC’s votes, even defeating the PDP candidate — now the state governor – in six out of 10 local government areas.

“Of the 343,945 votes received by President Bola Tinubu in Osun State, 102,826 came from Osun West.

“We appeal to APC leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, Baba Bisi Akande, and Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, to consider the district’s appeal.

“Rewarding Osun West with the governorship ticket will not only reflect fairness but will also strengthen the party’s progressive ideals in the state.”

He argued that it is time for Osun State to adopt the principle of zoning for equitable governance.

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A group with the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State, The Progressive Frontliners, TPF, has called on the party leadership to consider Osun West’s candidature for the party during the 2026 gubernatorial election.

This as the group also called on the Osun Progressives to give Osun West a special consideration in the spirit of egalitarianism and fairness- being a region that has never been favoured in consideration for this post since its inception.

He reiterated the group’s commitment to shared values and advocated for leadership that embodies transparency, accountability, and genuine service to the people.

Making the call during a press conference tagged “Osun 2026: West Lokan” in Osogbo on Friday in Osogbo, the groups Coordinator, Ajijola Ayodeji said the year is pivotal as the party laid the groundwork for its collective aspirations, particularly in view of the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial election.

He said, “am honoured to state the passionate yearning of our group-which is to appeal to the leadership of our great party, All Progressives Congress, APC, to consider Osun West in our collective bid to reclaim Osun State from the grip of PDP in 2026.

“In welcoming the new year, we are encouraged by the dreams and aspirations that resonate in the hearts of our people. It is a time to reaffirm our commitment to shared values and to advocate for leadership that embodies transparency, accountability, and genuine service to the people.

“Our community is poised for a transformative period, one that beckons the attention of visionary leaders eager to bring about substantive development and improved quality of life for the citizens of Osun State. This year is pivotal as we lay the groundwork for our collective aspirations, particularly in view of the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial election.”

Ayodeji revealed that towards the 2026 gubernatorial election, the group members will actively engage with communities across the state and craft a comprehensive vision for these aspirations.

“It is time for the progressives in their aim to provide opportunities for all, to give Osun West a special consideration in the spirit of egalitarianism and fairness- being a region that has never been favoured in consideration for this post since its inception.”

He maintained that the Osun West agenda has started to gain momentum and the majority of the people believe that the senatorial district has people of needed potentials and popularity that can win APC the 2026 gubernatorial election.

“The West agenda having started to gain momentum is the only aspiration that if considered can be referred to as being built on a pedestal of the principles of inclusion, equity and fairness.

“Our members just like the majority of Osun people, firmly believe that the Osun West senatorial district has numerous people of needed potential and popularity that can win APC the 2026 gubernatorial election.”

He also held that zoning the party’s gubernatorial candidature to Osun West aligned with the spirit of the APC’s foundational vision, which emphasizes fairness, unity, and national integration.

“It would resonate positively with the broader electorate, showcasing our commitment to balanced development and equal participation across all regions.

“From an electoral strategy standpoint, zoning to South West will invigorate our support base, motivating both the party faithful and local communities. This action would demonstrate that the APC values every zone within the state equally, thereby rallying widespread support and enthusiasm, which is crucial for a successful election outcome.

“Allocating the party ticket to this district this time around would address this imbalance and promote inclusivity, empowering Osun West to fully participate and lead in the development of our state alongside other districts,” he said.

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The Coalition of Osun APC Interest Groups, COAIG, has reaffirmed its support for zoning the All Progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial ticket to the Osun West Senatorial District.

COAIG insisted on fairness, inclusivity, and historical equity in the party’s decision-making process.

In a press statement signed by Iwolode Samuel, Director of Public Engagement and Operation, on Wednesday, the group responded to concerns raised by the Osun Progressives Independent Forum, OPIF, on the issue.

COAIG argued that zoning is not a compromise of merit but a mechanism to ensure balanced representation and prevent regional marginalisation within the state.

“Zoning guarantees every part of our state is given the chance to lead and contribute to its development.

“By advocating for zoning to Osun West, we foster unity in diversity and create opportunities for historically underrepresented zones to lead,” the statement said.

COAIG acknowledged past challenges in implementing zoning principles but maintained that such difficulties stemmed from a lack of transparent processes rather than the concept of zoning itself.

The group emphasized the need for clear and democratic procedures to select candidates who meet both zoning and merit criteria.

The group while highlighting the benefits of zoning, noted that it prevents political monopolies, encourages inclusivity, and reflects a commitment to fairness.

According to COAIG, “Zoning the ticket to Osun West would energise party members and voters across the state while addressing long-standing imbalances.

“Osun West has not had the opportunity to lead in recent times. By zoning the ticket to this district, we acknowledge its potential contributions and align with the expectations of the electorates.”

Addressing concerns about candidate imposition, COAIG stressed its opposition to such practices.

The group advocated for a transparent and democratic process that ensures the emergence of a competent and visionary candidate from Osun West to lead the party into the 2026 elections.

The group also pointed out the need to grow party membership and mobilise voters with a unified message that resonates across all districts.

“A zoned candidate from Osun West, selected on merit and supported by a broad-based coalition, can be a compelling force for change and development in Osun State,” the statement added.

COAIG also expressed optimism that the dual approach of zoning and merit-based selection would strengthen the APC and contribute to the sustained prosperity of Osun State.

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