Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, a prominent aspirant for the Osun State Governorship Election, is set to become the consensus candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This development follows a crucial meeting. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with all aspirants on Tuesday night. The meeting took place at Aso Villa, Abuja.

Oyebamiji, widely known as AMBO, served eight years as the state’s former Finance Commissioner. He held this position across two different APC administrations.

Many aspirants previously disqualified have pledged their support. They backed the consensus plan ahead of the party’s primary. This primary is scheduled for Saturday.

The potential consensus candidate will face tough opposition. Governor Ademola Adeleke, representing the Accord Party, is a key challenger. Dr. Najeem Salam, the likely candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is another formidable opponent in next year’s election.

Tinubu’s Intervention and Party Unity

The APC had previously adopted a similar consensus approach in Ekiti. That process produced Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the candidate for their recent election.

President Tinubu met with eight aspirants. Discussions focused on avoiding post-primary crises. Such disputes could lead to electoral failure for the party.

According to Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the meeting included several key figures. Among them were former Deputy Governor Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Dotun Babayemi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Kunle Adegoke (SAN), Babatunde Harater Oralusi, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh, and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.

Other notable attendees included Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC National Chairman. Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was also present. Governor Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, and Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, completed the high-level gathering.

President Tinubu lauded all aspirants for their dedication. He praised their contributions to the APC in Osun State. He urged them to unite and support the party’s choice. This candidate will represent the party in the upcoming governorship election. He also advised against internal squabbles. Such disunity, he noted, led to the party’s loss to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last state election.

Emphasizing party supremacy, President Tinubu urged aspirants to allow it to guide the flagbearer selection. He stated that the party benefits most when it secures electoral victories.

“You all have a duty and obligation to the party,” Tinubu asserted. He added, “Ensure our party’s candidate wins the next election in Osun State. You must strengthen bonds of unity, party supremacy, and collective responsibility. I have absolute confidence in your ability to deliver victory to our party in Osun State. You have my support and that of the National leadership of APC to win the coming election.”

Aspirants Commit to Support Consensus Candidate

At the meeting’s conclusion, a joint statement was issued. Aspirants and leaders committed to supporting the candidate. This individual would emerge from the primary process.

The statement, signed by all aspirants and APC leaders, declared:

“We, the undersigned aspirants for the 2025 Osun State Governorship Election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), having met and deliberated with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, in the spirit of unity, discipline, and loyalty to our great party, hereby declare as follows:

1. We affirm and uphold the supremacy of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This guides and determines the most appropriate process for selecting the party’s flag bearer for the 2025 Governorship Election in Osun State.

2. We unanimously agree to abide by the party’s decision. This includes nominating a consensus candidate for affirmation at the APC Primary Election. This primary is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025.

3. We accept the outcome of the party-led nomination process in good faith. We pledge our total support to the candidate so nominated and affirmed.

4. We commit ourselves to peace, unity, and cohesion within the APC. We pledge not to engage in any act, public or private, that may undermine the process’s integrity or the party’s standing.

5. We will work collectively and individually to ensure the APC’s success at the polls. This will consolidate good governance in Osun State.

“We make this declaration voluntarily, in absolute loyalty to our great party. This is in recognition of the guidance provided by Mr. President and the National Chairman. It serves the overriding interest of progress and stability in Osun State.”