Osun 2026: APC Elders Unite 13 Governorship Hopefuls Ahead Of Fierce Primary Battle

According to Ireporter Online, the Elders Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully brought together thirteen governorship aspirants of the party in Osun State as part of efforts to ensure unity ahead of the December 13, 2025 primary election.

Out of the thirteen aspirants, ten were in attendance at the reconciliation meeting, while three prominent members — the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru; the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO); and former APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore — were unavoidably absent.

Those present included former Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi, Senator Jide Omoworare, Senator Mudashiru Hussein, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, U.S.-based Professor Rafiu Durodoye, Engineer Dideolu Falobi, Dotun Babayemi, Peter Babalola, Prince Hareter Oralusi, and Kunle Adegoke (SAN).

The closed-door meeting, chaired by Chief Sola Akinwumi, Chairman of the APC Elders Caucus, took place in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, and lasted for about ninety minutes. The gathering reportedly focused on fostering harmony and mutual understanding among the aspirants in preparation for the forthcoming party primary.

Speaking to journalists after the session, Chief Akinwumi stated that this was the second follow-up meeting with the aspirants, aimed at consolidating their commitment to working as a united front to secure victory for the APC in the 2026 Osun governorship election.

He revealed that each aspirant took turns to reaffirm loyalty to the party’s democratic values and its established process of selecting a consensus candidate without internal friction. According to him, such collective political understanding among stakeholders is essential to ensuring electoral success.

Akinwumi further emphasized that there was no sign of division within the camp of the aspirants, adding that their participation in the meeting reflected a shared determination to ensure a smooth and successful primary.

On the rumour of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s alleged plan to defect to the APC, Chief Akinwumi dismissed the speculation, clarifying that no such discussion had taken place. He affirmed that neither the APC chairman nor any key leader of the party was aware of any move by the Osun governor to join their fold.