Ekiti, Osun governorship polls crucial test for APC — Party chieftain

By Lateef Ibrahim

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has said the outcomes of the 2026 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States will serve as a major test of the party’s strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, stated this while speaking with journalists yesterday in Osogbo.
He said the ruling party must secure victories in both states to place itself in a favourable position ahead of the nationwide elections scheduled for 2027.
According to him, “a landslide victory for the APC in the Ekiti governorship election slated for June 20 and the Osun governorship poll scheduled for August 15 would strengthen the party’s prospects in the next general election.”
The APC chieftain added that success in the two elections would also consolidate the expected re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
“The Ekiti and Osun elections will serve as a litmus test for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections in the country.
“The two are very crucial for the APC because they will be conducted a few months before the general elections. The party must win the two states,” Oyintiloye said.
He noted that victories in both states would strengthen the confidence of party members and reinforce the APC’s influence in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Oyintiloye who described the Osun governorship contest as particularly significant, noted that the party aims to unseat incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke during the election.
Citing collaboration among party leaders and strategic planning as key factors, he expressed confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the state.
“We are confident of victory because the leaders of the party in the state, national leader, Chief Bisi Akande, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the National Secretary of the party, Ajibola Basiru, and the state chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, among others, are working tirelessly for the APC’s victory,” he said.
He also expressed confidence in the party’s governorship candidate in Osun, Bola Oyebamiji, describing him as capable and widely accepted by party members and residents of the state.
Oyintiloye, however, appealed to aggrieved members of the party to set aside their grievances, respect party supremacy and work collectively towards ensuring victory for the APC in the forthcoming elections.