Oyebamiji
Marine and Blue Economy minister and ex-Osun State governor, Gboyega Oyetola, has shelved his 2026; governorship ambition.
According to authoritative sources close to him in Osogbo the Osun State capital and his political base, and Abuja his political beat, he threw in the towel due to his declining popularity in the state and age, factors which could give the ruling Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke an easy ride in the election.
Oyetola will be only 72 next year. However it was gathered that the former governor’s declining popularity among Osun residents, particularly civil servants is the major consideration for his backing out of the race.
Although he still commands a significant influence within the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) structure in the state, insiders say Oyetola recognizes that his candidacy would no longer be viable.
Sources said the minister is now expected to back a trusted political ally: Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director/CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
Oyebamiji, a seasoned banker with three decades of experience, served as Commissioner for Finance under both Oyetola and his predecessor, Rauf Aregbesola.
Oyebamiji hails from Ikire, in Osun West, and is gearing up to challenge the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke in the 2026 election.
Already, Oyebamiji’s team has launched a campaign under the slogan “Ambo” (Yoruba for “We are coming”), a rallying call reminiscent of former Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s campaign.
Political observers believe his candidacy could potentially mend the long-standing rift between Oyetola and Aregbesola, considering Oyebamiji’s service in both’s administrations.
However, Oyebamiji’s past is not without controversy. Many civil servants blame him for his role during the half-salary era, accusing him of failing to make provisions for the backlog of payments during his time as Finance Commissioner.
Meanwhile, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, has also declared interest in the race. Though he once served as Director-General of Oyetola’s 2022 re-election campaign, the two are said to have fallen out politically.
Basiru, who hails from Osogbo, is reportedly leveraging his position at the national level and close ties with APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, to strengthen his chances.
The position of APC chieftain and former Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, remains uncertain. While some sources suggest he is backing Basiru, others believe he is still consulting key political stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, before making his position known.
As the 2026 governorship election draws nearer, the Osun APC finds itself at a crossroads, with an intense internal battle brewing over who will emerge as its flag bearer — Oyebamiji, Basiru, or perhaps a third contender waiting in the wings.
