Blessing Bello, Reporting
THE All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday inaugurated its National Campaign Council for the Osun State governorship election, vowing to mobilise every resource at its disposal to reclaim the Government House on August 15, 2026.
The inauguration, held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, brought together governors, federal lawmakers, ministers, and party stakeholders charged with coordinating the party’s campaign in the South-West state.
National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, who inaugurated the council, said the team was carefully selected from across the country to help mobilise both human and material resources for victory.
He described the APC as the party with the deepest pool of political experience in Nigeria, boasting governors, federal and state lawmakers, former office holders, and recent defectors from other parties.
“The APC has all it takes to win elections in Nigeria from councillorship to the presidency in 2027. Nothing will stop us from taking over the Government House in Osun on August 15, 2026,” Yilwatda declared.
Osun Election a Litmus Test for 2027
He said the Osun election is the last governorship poll before the 2027 general elections and will serve as a “litmus test” and “rehearsal” for the party’s national machinery.
The chairman outlined a door-to-door, person-to-person campaign strategy, with governors from different zones taking responsibility for senatorial districts alongside lawmakers and council officials.
He emphasised grassroots mobilisation, especially among women, saying the Directorate of Women Affairs has a major role to ensure the party reaches every household in Osun.
Describing the council members as “political heavyweights,” Yilwatda said the APC’s strength in Osun is unmatched, likening the contest to “a trailer facing a keke.”
Uzodimma: Campaign Will Be Issue-Based
Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who serves as Chairman of the Campaign Council, speaking on behalf of the council, thanked the party leadership for the trust reposed in them and pledged to justify the confidence.
Uzodimma said the assignment is a “covenant demanding sacrifice, discipline and measurable results,” adding that unity within the party will be the first message of the campaign.
He presented the APC candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, as a “tested, competent and people-centred” leader whose vision aligns with prudent leadership and inclusive prosperity.
The Imo governor said the campaign will be issue-based and will rest on the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as well as progressive governance across APC states.
“We will not be distracted by opposition blackmail or misinformation. We will answer falsehood with facts and propaganda with performance,” Uzodimma said, while also pledging a peaceful, credible and vigorous campaign.
Oyebamiji: Osun Ready for Change
APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, said the people of Osun have received the party’s message with “uncommon excitement” and are ready for change.
He reported that the party has engaged traditional rulers, market women, youths, artisans and professionals across Osun’s three senatorial districts, 30 LGAs and 3,762 polling units, and noted recent solidarity walks led by former First Lady, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola.
Oyebamiji said Osun can no longer afford the current administration and must align with the Federal Government’s reform agenda. He assured the council of the state party’s total cooperation to deliver victory on election day.
High-Powered Council Unveiled
The council comprises governors, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, ministers, lawmakers and other stakeholders, with Senator Barau Jibrin as Secretary.
In their closing remarks, both Uzodimma and Oyebamiji said the goal is clear: to return Osun to the progressive fold with a decisive, peaceful and credible win for the APC and its candidate.
The inauguration sets the stage for what is expected to be a fiercely contested election in Osun State, as the APC seeks to unseat the incumbent administration and reclaim the state for the progressive camp ahead of the 2027 general elections.
