Amid growing political speculation, former Osun State Governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has ruled himself out of the 2026 governorship election, declaring that reclaiming the state for the All Progressives Congress (APC) takes priority over personal ambition.
Addressing party stakeholders at a crucial APC meeting held in Osogbo on Friday, Oyetola made it clear he would not be contesting the governorship race, despite mounting rumours about his return bid.
“I will not be seeking the APC ticket for the 2026 Osun governorship election,” he announced. “Our focus now must be on unity, capacity, and winning strategy. That’s how we can bring the APC back to power in Osun.”
The gathering, which was co-chaired by Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, and the party’s Elders’ Caucus Chair, Sola Akinwumi, was attended by five aspirants already eyeing the party’s ticket.
Oyetola stressed that APC’s strength lies in its array of “competent aspirants with excellent track records”, describing the lineup as “a unique selling point that we must leverage to regain the trust of Osun people.”
According to party sources, the aspirants present at the meeting included Kunle Adegoke, Dotun Babayemi, Bola Oyebamiji, Mudasiru Hussein, and Babajide Omoworare.
Party spokesman Kola Olabisi confirmed to Observers Times on Saturday that Oyetola not only stepped aside but also urged aspirants to conduct their campaigns with decorum.
“Oyetola told the gathering clearly that he’s not running. He also warned the aspirants against using foul language and emphasised the need to support whoever eventually emerges as candidate,” Olabisi said.
“He encouraged all party members to avoid divisive speech and remain focused on victory at the 2026 poll. He assured everyone of his support for the party’s success.”
Oyetola’s decision to bow out of the race may reshape the internal dynamics of the Osun APC, as aspirants now jostle to fill the leadership vacuum left by the party’s former flagbearer. While the minister’s endorsement carries weight, his withdrawal is also seen as an opportunity for the party to reset and rebrand in a state currently under the control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 7, 2026.
