By John Dike, Osogbo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially inaugurated its campaign committees ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State, declaring a full-scale political mobilisation aimed at reclaiming power from the incumbent administration led by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The inauguration, held in Osogbo, marked the formal commencement of the party’s campaign structure for what is expected to be one of the most competitive gubernatorial contests in the state’s recent history.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the APC Campaign Council, Oluwole Oke, described the inauguration as a turning point in the party’s preparation for the August 15, 2026 governorship election, stressing that the campaign would be strategic, disciplined, and people-oriented.
According to him, the committees inaugurated were carefully selected to drive mobilisation, communication, strategy, finance, and security coordination across all levels of the party structure.
“This inauguration marks the official take-off of a well-structured and disciplined campaign,” Oke said. “We are not engaging in politics as usual. We are building a movement that is focused on restoring effective governance and rebuilding public trust in Osun State.”
He charged members of the various committees to see their appointments as a call to responsibility rather than privilege, urging them to intensify grassroots engagement across wards, local governments, and polling units.
Oke emphasized that the party’s campaign must remain issue-based, warning against distractions that could derail its focus.
“Our campaign must be issue-based, people-focused, well-coordinated, and result-driven. Every member of this structure must work with unity of purpose. Victory will not come by chance; it will come through discipline, sacrifice, and coordination,” he added.
He also warned against internal divisions within the party, noting that unity would be critical to achieving electoral success.
“No political party succeeds when it is divided. We must speak with one voice and act with one purpose. That is the only way forward,” he said.
Highlighting the party’s governorship candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, Oke described him as a seasoned administrator with the capacity to lead Osun State into a new era of development.
“Our candidate is prepared, experienced, and capable. He represents competence, stability, and a clear vision for Osun State. With the support of our party and the people, victory is inevitable,” he stated.
Oke further noted that the APC would rely heavily on grassroots mobilisation, digital outreach, and structured engagement with stakeholders across the state, adding that every committee has a defined role to play in delivering victory.
In a separate interaction with journalists during the event, Oke launched a strong critique of the current administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, accusing it of underperformance in key sectors of the state economy and social development.
He alleged that despite the inflow of resources into the state over the past three years, there had been little to show in terms of infrastructure development, quality education, and healthcare delivery.
According to him, many public schools across the state were in poor condition, while hospitals lacked adequate equipment and personnel to serve citizens effectively.
“Our education system is in distress. Many of our schools are not functioning optimally, and our children are bearing the consequences. Healthcare delivery is also weak, and citizens are not getting the services they deserve,” he said.
Oke also criticised the agricultural sector, stating that it had not been fully harnessed to address food security and employment challenges in the state.
He argued that while the payment of workers’ salaries was important, it should not be mistaken for comprehensive governance.
“Paying salaries is a statutory responsibility of government. It is not an achievement. Governance is about infrastructure, development, welfare, and long-term planning for the people,” he added.
Expressing confidence ahead of the polls, the APC campaign chief declared that the party was fully prepared to return to power in Osun State, insisting that its structures and experience positioned it strongly for victory.
He maintained that the party would intensify its outreach efforts in the coming months, engaging voters directly and presenting what he described as a clear alternative to the current administration.
“Our message is simple—Osun deserves better. We will take this message to every community, every ward, and every household. We are confident that the people will respond positively,” Oke said.
He further predicted victory for the party’s candidate, stating that the APC had a strong track record of electoral success in the state.
“We have done it before, and we are prepared to do it again. By the grace of God and the will of the people, our candidate will emerge victorious on election day,” he concluded.
The inauguration signals the beginning of heightened political activity in Osun State, as parties begin early mobilisation ahead of the 2026 governorship election, which is expected to be closely contested between the ruling party and the opposition APC.
