APC Adopts Consensus Ahead of Osun Governorship Primary on Saturday

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced that its candidate for the 2026 Osun State governorship election will emerge through a consensus process rather than a competitive ballot during the party’s upcoming primary.

The disclosure was made by Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, who heads the APC committee responsible for supervising the primary election. He revealed the decision during a gathering of party stakeholders in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

Party Leadership Emphasises Unity Ahead of Primary

Speaking at the meeting, Okpebholo appealed to members of the party to cooperate with the committee assigned to oversee the exercise. He stressed that unity and discipline would be crucial to ensuring that the process proceeds smoothly without conflict or division.

The governorship primary is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 18, with delegates expected to assemble in Osogbo to formally endorse the party’s candidate.

According to the committee chairman, the consensus approach was chosen to help maintain harmony within the party while preparing for the upcoming state election.

Stakeholders and Aspirants Attend Strategy Meeting

The preparatory meeting brought together several prominent members of the APC in Osun State, including both aspirants and senior party officials.

Among those present were former Osun State Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi, ex-Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly Timothy Owoeye, and the state APC chairman Tajudeen Lawal.

Another key figure at the gathering was Bola Oyebamiji, a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, who is widely regarded as one of the most prominent contenders within the party.

Screening Process Narrows the Field

Before the primary, the APC screening committee conducted an evaluation of aspirants at the party’s national headquarters.

Following the exercise, only two aspirants—Bola Oyebamiji and Mulikat Abiola, a former member of the Osun State House of Assembly representing the Ifelodun constituency—were cleared to participate.

Several others were disqualified during the process, including former APC National Secretary Iyiola Omisore, along with six additional aspirants.

Delegates to Affirm Candidate

Okpebholo explained that the final stage of the process would involve a formal affirmation by party delegates.

A total of 1,660 accredited delegates are expected to participate in the exercise by endorsing the consensus candidate chosen by the party.

He emphasised that the accreditation process would be strictly monitored to ensure transparency and orderliness throughout the event.

Only delegates who successfully complete the verification process will be allowed access to the venue where the affirmation will take place.

Call for Cooperation From Party Members

In his remarks, Okpebholo urged party leaders, aspirants, and grassroots members to support the committee and avoid actions that could create tension within the party.

He noted that the stakeholders’ meeting served as an opportunity to update members on the committee’s arrival in Osun State and to explain how the primary process would be conducted.

He also reiterated that transparency and fairness would guide the procedure.

Ondo Governor Urges Party Members to Set Aside Differences

Also addressing the gathering was Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who serves as co-chairman of the primary election committee.

Aiyedatiwa encouraged APC members in Osun to put aside internal disagreements and focus on strengthening the party ahead of the election.

He emphasised that unity within the party would play a key role in determining its chances of success at the polls.

Commentary and Analysis

The APC’s decision to adopt a consensus model for its Osun governorship primary reflects a broader strategy often used by political parties to prevent internal divisions during candidate selection.

While consensus arrangements can reduce the risk of disputes among aspirants, they sometimes attract criticism from observers who argue that such methods limit open competition within party structures.

In the case of Osun State, the approach suggests that party leaders are prioritising cohesion ahead of the 2026 election. Whether this strategy strengthens the APC’s position or creates dissatisfaction among excluded aspirants remains to be seen.

As the primary approaches, the party’s ability to maintain unity after the candidate emerges could prove decisive in the political contest ahead.