By John Dike, Osogbo
At least 12 governorship aspirants under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have bought their nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the party’s primaries scheduled for December 13.
Altogether, the party has realized at least N600 million from the sales of forms, with each of the aspirants paying the mandatory ₦50 million cost of the forms.
It was gathered at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja that as at close of work on November 25, the following aspirants had officially obtained their forms:
- Senator Babajide Omoworare
- Senator Iyiola Omisore
- Babatunde Harter Oralusi
- Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji
- Oyedotun Babayemi
- Benedict Olugboyega Alabi
- Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi
- Kunle Rasheed Adegoke, SAN (KRAD).
Also, as at 5:30 p.m. on Novembee 25, there was a steady flow of aspirants and campaign representatives completing the payment and collection process at the party’s national secretariat.
In fact, party insiders described the last 72 hours as “exceptionally busy,” with heightened activity as aspirants raced to secure their places in what many analysts say will be one of the most competitive APC governorship primaries in Osun State in over a decade.
At the APC headquarters, the process for form collection was described as both streamlined and heavily fortified.
Aspirants or their agents were required to show evidence of payment before being ushered into the office of the National Organising Secretary, where physical forms were issued under strict monitoring.
Security presence around the secretariat was also said to be unusually robust, reflecting the high stakes and crowded nature of the contest.
A senior party official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that the rising number of aspirants is “a sign of renewed internal strength” for the party in Osun State.
“The fact that 12 strong contenders have already picked forms shows that our party remains attractive. Everyone wants to be the standard-bearer, and that competition is healthy,” the official said.
More aspirants are expected to pick up their forms before the deadline, though the party has yet to release an official closing date.
The 2026 governorship election has been described by political observers as a defining moment for the APC in Osun State.
The party suffered setbacks in the last general elections and is now under pressure to present a candidate capable of reclaiming the state from the incumbent.
Among the aspirants are seasoned politicians, technocrats, and established business figures, each with strong political followings.
The presence of two former senators—Omoworare and Omisore—has particularly drawn attention, as both men wield significant political influence and have deep grassroots structures.
Additionally, the entrance of technocrats like KRAD, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and Dr. Ogunbiyi, noted for his background in insurance and investment, has expanded the race beyond traditional political lines.
The APC primaries scheduled for December 13 are expected to be highly contentious.
Party insiders say negotiations, alliances, and endorsement battles have already begun behind closed doors.
Meetings between key stakeholders, including former governors, serving federal appointees, and influential party caucuses, have intensified in recent weeks.
A political analyst in Osogbo described the upcoming primaries as “a litmus test for APC’s unity.”
“The number of aspirants is impressive, but it also means the party must manage internal conflicts carefully.
“Whoever wins must emerge through a transparent and fair process, or the party risks going into the general elections divided,” the analyst warned
With the incumbent governor preparing to seek reelection in 2026, the APC faces the formidable task of selecting a candidate capable of consolidating support across the three senatorial districts.
The contest is expected to hinge on factors such as regional balancing, political experience, grassroots appeal, financial strength, and the ability to unify the party after the primaries.
For many party members, the December 13 primary represents the first major step toward reclaiming the Osun governorship seat.
“We need a candidate who can win not only the primary but also the main election,” a party chieftain in Ilesa said. “This time, the APC can’t afford internal crises.”
As the APC prepares for what may become one of the most fiercely contested primaries in its history in Osun State, the collection of about ₦600 million from aspirants underscores both the intensity of the race and the party’s readiness to move forward.
With political tension rising and aspirants consolidating their structures, the stage is now set for a decisive battle on December 13.
