By John Dike, Osogbo
Chairman and Co-Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Primary Election Committee for the 2026 Osun State governorship election, Governors Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and his Ondo counterpart, Lucky Ayedatiwa, say that state belongs to the progressives and must be reclaimed by the party in the next election.
They made the declaration on Friday while addressing APC stakeholders shortly after arriving in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, for the party’s governorship primary activities. The meeting was held at the APC State Secretariat.
Okpebholo stated that the stakeholders’ gathering underscored the party’s collective resolve to strengthen its internal mechanisms and return the APC to power in Osun State.
“Osun State belongs to the progressives, and it is time to take back what belongs to us in the August 8, 2026 governorship election,” he said.
He explained that the purpose of the meeting was to formally brief party leaders on the committee’s arrival and outline the modalities for the governorship primary scheduled for Saturday.
He said the party has adopted the consensus model for the primary, noting that 1,660 accredited delegates would converge at the venue to affirm the party’s candidate.
“Transparency is key to this process. No delegate will be allowed to participate without proper accreditation. This is to ensure fairness, accountability and credibility,” Okpebholo assured.
He urged party leaders and members to support the committee and avoid internal divisions, stressing that unity remained the party’s greatest strength.
“We must remain united as one family. I commend our leaders for their resilience and commitment even while in opposition. On behalf of the committee, I assure you that the primary will be free, fair, credible and acceptable to all,” he added.
In his remarks, Aiyedatiwa emphasized the need for unity ahead of the 2026 election, describing it as the only pathway to victory.
“As we move towards another election, it is important that we remain together. Regardless of who emerges as the party’s candidate, we must rally behind that person,” he said.
He reminded party members that elections are won on the strength of party identity rather than individual personalities.
“The ballot paper carries the party logo, not the name of the candidate. That is why the party is supreme. If we believe in the APC, we must support whoever flies the party’s flag,” he stated.
Aiyedatiwa noted that regaining power remained the primary objective of the APC in Osun State, adding that being in government was essential for the realization of both party and individual aspirations.
“You are stakeholders and the eyes of the party across your communities. It is time to work together as a united family and reclaim Osun State, which has always been known as a progressive state,” he said.
Earlier, Osun State APC Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Lawal, commended party leaders and members for their steadfast loyalty and dedication, assuring them of the party’s readiness to work collectively towards victory.
The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by governorship aspirants, party leaders, and APC members from across Osun State.
