By Muhammad Mamman, Abuja
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday met with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, in what party sources describe as strategic consultations ahead of the state’s August 8, 2026 election.
The closed-door meeting comes as political activity intensifies in Osun State, where parties are ramping up preparations for what is expected to be a closely contested governorship race.
In a post shared on his social media platforms shortly after the meeting, Oyebamiji characterised the engagement as “reassuring”, noting that discussions centred on preparations for the forthcoming poll and consolidating party structures across the state.
While details of the talks were not officially disclosed, analysts say the visit underscores the significance the ruling All Progressives Congress attaches to the Osun contest, widely viewed as a key political battleground in Nigeria’s South-West region.
Oyetola, a former governor of Osun State, is regarded as an influential political figure within the party’s state chapter. Observers suggest his presence at the meeting signals efforts to project unity and strengthen the APC’s campaign machinery ahead of the vote.
The Independent National Electoral Commission is expected to release further guidelines as the election date approaches, while political parties continue consultations and grassroots mobilisation.
The August poll will determine who leads Osun State for the next four years, with both ruling and opposition parties positioning themselves for a high-stakes contest that could shape the region’s political landscape.
