The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2026 Osun State governorship primary election committee, Governor Monday Okpebholo, has announced that the party’s candidate will emerge through affirmation.
Gossip News Now reports that Okpebholo made this known on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo, the state capital, ahead of the APC governorship primary scheduled for Saturday, December 18.
The Edo State governor called on party members to cooperate fully with the primary election committee to ensure a smooth and rancour-free exercise.
The APC has slated its governorship primary for Saturday in Osogbo, where accredited delegates are expected to gather to affirm the party’s flagbearer.
The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by key party figures and aspirants, including some disqualified contenders such as former Osun State Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi; former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye; and the APC State Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal.
Also in attendance was a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji, who is widely regarded as the frontrunner in the race.
Cleared and Disqualified Aspirants
Oyebamiji and a former Ifelodun State Constituency lawmaker, Mulikat Abiola, were earlier cleared by the APC screening committee to contest the primary.
However, seven other aspirants, including a former National Secretary of the party, Iyiola Omisore, were disqualified during the screening exercise conducted at the party’s national secretariat.
Explaining the procedure for the primary, Okpebholo said the exercise would be conducted through consensus.
“This meeting underscores our collective commitment not only to strengthen internal democracy but also to reclaim Osun State for the progressive family and restore purposeful leadership,” he said.
He added that the gathering was to formally brief stakeholders on the arrival of the primary election committee and to outline the guidelines for Saturday’s exercise, stressing that transparency remained a priority.
According to Okpebholo, all accredited delegates will participate in affirming the party’s candidate.
“As you are aware, the primary will be conducted by consensus. All 1,660 accredited delegates will assemble at the designated venue to affirm the choice of our candidate for the forthcoming governorship election,” he stated.
He further emphasised that strict accreditation would be enforced, noting that only properly accredited delegates would be allowed access to the venue to ensure fairness and accountability.
The committee chairman urged party leaders, stakeholders, aspirants, delegates and members to support the committee and cooperate fully with officials overseeing the exercise.
Earlier, the co-chairman of the primary election committee and Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Ayedatiwa, appealed to Osun APC members to put aside their differences and work together in the interest of the party and the successful conduct of the primary.
