By Ayo Kehinde
Seven governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State have stepped down from the party’s upcoming primary to support Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji as the consensus candidate, following a crucial meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting, convened by President Tinubu to foster party unity ahead of the Osun governorship primary, was attended by most leading contenders.
However, former Deputy National Secretary of the APC, Iyiola Omisore, was notably absent. Omisore had previously described his disqualification from the primary as a “joke,” highlighting ongoing tensions within the party.
Those who stepped down in favour of Oyebamiji include former Deputy Governor Benedict Olugboyega Alabi; Omooba Dotun Babayemi; Akin Ogunbiyi; former Senator Babajide Omoworare; Kunle Adegoke (SAN); Babatunde Haketer Oralusi; and Mulikat Abiola Jimoh.
Sources at the meeting said President Tinubu urged the aspirants to prioritise party unity over personal ambition, stressing the need for a cohesive front to reclaim Osun State from the opposition. The president reportedly assured the aspirants of recognition and inclusion in future party arrangements.
Oyebamiji was presented as the preferred consensus candidate, with party leaders citing his experience, political reach, and ability to mobilise support across the state.
The decision of the seven aspirants to step down is seen as a major boost for APC’s internal cohesion in Osun, though Omisore’s absence underscores lingering tensions ahead of the primary.
The Osun APC governorship primary is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, as the party intensifies preparations to challenge the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Meanwhile, incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke defected to the Accord Party on Tuesday to seek re-election following his resignation from the PDP.
