Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State have thrown their weight behind the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, as their preferred candidate for the 2026 governorship election.
The development marks a major shift within the party, as several loyalists appeared to sideline former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, who is believed to have been the rallying figure of the APC in the state.
On Tuesday, the party faithfuls staged a massive solidarity walk in Osogbo to show support for Oyebamiji and also to reaffirm their loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The walk, tagged “Osun Unity Walk for AMBO and Tinubu”, began at the Osogbo City Stadium and moved through major areas such as Ayetoro, Igbona, Olonkoro, Old Garage, Orisunbare, Ola-Iya, Fakunle, and Ogo-Oluwa before ending at the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Office.
The crowd, made up of party leaders, youths, and women, chanted solidarity songs and waved party flags as they expressed confidence in Oyebamiji’s ability to lead Osun APC to victory in 2026.
Speaking at the event, former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, said the march was not only a show of support for Oyebamiji but also a message that the APC remained united and strong ahead of the election.
“This Unity Walk is to tell Osun people that APC is united and ready for 2026. Asiwaju Oyebamiji stands out as a competent, tested and trusted aspirant with a track record of performance as a two-time commissioner and as managing director of Osun Investment Company Limited,” Owoeye said.
Also speaking, Adebayo Adeleke, a former commissioner under Oyetola’s administration, said the massive turnout showed that the people were solidly behind Oyebamiji ahead of the APC primary slated for December 13.
“It is obvious that Oyebamiji is an aspirant to beat in the APC primary election. We are happy for this large turnout. We are ready and prepared for the primary election. There is no aspirant in APC that is not competent. They are all competent. But what we are saying is Bola Oyebamiji is above all when it comes to APC. He is more acceptable, a gentleman, knowledgeable and a financial expert. He is the one that can strengthen the economic situation of Osun State,” he said.
Similarly, Kehinde Ayantunji, special adviser to former Governor Oyetola, praised President Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, and Oyetola for their continued contributions to the growth of the APC since 2022.
He added that their steadfastness had helped to rebuild public trust and unity within the party.
However, Bola Oyebamiji, who once served as Commissioner for Finance in Osun, has been gaining significant grassroots support ahead of the party’s primaries, with many within the APC describing him as a bridge between the old and new generation of leaders.
