No Division Expected Among Osun APC Aspirants After Primary – Ex-Speaker Owoeye

Former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, has assured that the upcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) primary for the 2026 governorship election will not cause any division among the party’s aspirants. His comments come ahead of the party’s December 15 deadline to conduct its primary election.

Speaking in Osogbo on Tuesday during the launch of the AMBO Youth Assembly, a youth group supporting the governorship ambition of Bola Oyebamiji, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Owoeye stressed the need for party unity.

He stated that all aspirants were seriously preparing for the primaries and that the party’s elders would be instrumental in managing any potential disagreements that might arise. According to him, while competition was natural, mature dialogue and support would ensure cohesion within the APC.

“Everyone contesting is preparing for the party primaries. It is a required step for anyone seeking to be the candidate. But I believe that it doesn’t have to cause a crisis,” he said. “In every contest, one person must emerge. The others should support the winner. If there is any misunderstanding, the party leaders know how to resolve it.”

Owoeye’s remarks were seen as an attempt to calm potential tension within the party and reaffirm APC’s commitment to internal peace ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

Speaking further, he praised the grassroots mobilisation efforts of Bola Oyebamiji, noting that the emergence of various support groups like the Ambo Women Assembly, Ambo Stakeholders, and the newly inaugurated Ambo Youth Assembly reflected the aspirant’s strong connection to the people.

He described Oyebamiji as the candidate to beat, confidently stating that their campaign structure shows serious intent and readiness to take over the governorship in 2026.

“Bola Oyebamiji remains the aspirant to beat. The way we are building this campaign tells the world we are serious, and there is no controversy about his chances. Osun is ready,” Owoeye said.

The AMBO Youth Assembly, composed of youths from all wards in Osun State, is expected to play a key role in driving support for Oyebamiji’s political ambition, especially among younger voters.

As the 2026 election approaches, attention is now turning to how the APC will manage its internal processes and maintain unity, especially in a state with increasing political activity. Owoeye’s confidence may reassure supporters, but the outcome of the party primary will ultimately reveal how united the aspirants truly are.

Tips and Recommendations:

• APC leaders should continue holding closed-door meetings to ensure unity after the primary.
• Aspirants should sign peace agreements pledging to support the party’s eventual flagbearer.
• Youth groups like the AMBO Assembly can be vital in building grassroots momentum for campaigns.
• Public statements that promote peace and unity can help reduce post-primary tension.
• Observers should monitor how the APC manages internal conflicts as a test of the party’s strength in Osun.