By Lateef Ibrahim
F
ormer local government chairmen in Osun State have denied endorsing any candidate for the All Progressives Congress, (APC), governorship ticket ahead of the 2026 election.
Speaking, the ex-chairmen reaffirmed their preference for the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola but clarified that no official endorsement had been made.
Akeem Tokede, former chairman of Boluwaduro local government area stated, “We don’t have any preferred candidate other than His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, for the 2026 governorship race.”
Tokede added that if Oyetola declined to contest, they would support zoning the APC ticket to Osun West Senatorial District for equity and fair representation.
“We are pleading with party leaders, including the Minister and Senator Ajibola Basiru, to ensure Osun West produces the party’s candidate should Oyetola choose not to run,” Tokede said.
Addressing claims that the group had endorsed another aspirant, Tokede dismissed the allegations as a misunderstanding.
“There was a mix-up; we have not anointed anyone for the job,” he said.
He emphasised that the selection of a candidate was the responsibility of the party leadership.
“We have many qualified members in Osun West, and they all deserve a fair chance,” he added.
The former chairmen maintained that their focus was on strengthening the party rather than personal interests.
“Our priority is rescuing the state from its current administration,” Tokede said.
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