By Lateef Ibrahim with agency report
Interests groups within the Osun State All Progressives Congress, (APC), have once again thrown their weight behind the zoning of the 2026 Osun State governorship ticket of the party to Osun West Senatorial District.
The groups, The Progressive Frontliners, (TPF), and the Coalition of Osun APC Interest Groups, (COAIG), made their position known in a joint press statement delivered during their May monthly meeting held in Osogbo, on Wednesday.
The leaders also declared their unwavering commitment to the political advancement of Osun West within the framework of the APC.
Speaking on behalf of the two groups, Joint Coordinator Ademola Rukayat stated, “The agitation for zoning the gubernatorial ticket to Osun West is resounding with an intensity that demands the attention of our leaders.
“Osun West has paid its dues. Now is the time to allow the district to reclaim its rightful place in the governance of our state.
“We believe this step will help reposition the APC as the true party of fairness and justice.”
The coalition insisted that their position was not rooted in animosity but aimed at correcting political imbalance and decades-long marginalisation of Osun West within the party.
“Since the return to democracy in 1999, Osun West has yet to produce a gubernatorial candidate under the APC banner, despite what they described as consistent loyalty and support.”
Michael Idowu, another Joint Coordinator, said, “As we approach 2026, it will be nearly thirty years of exclusion. This is not just an appeal; it is a demand for justice.
“This is not only a political move but a moral one, recognising Osun West’s commitment to APC ideals.
“Let us seize this opportunity to correct history and reclaim Osun from the PDP,” said Idowu.
The groups directed their appeal to party leaders, President Bola Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande, describing them as father figures to APC members in Osun and across Nigeria.
Samuel Iwolode, a Joint Coordinator said, “We respectfully urge them to lend an ear to the earnest appeals of their children from Osun.
“The marginalisation of Osun West significantly contributed to our electoral setbacks.”
The groups further urged national and state APC leaders to consider Osun West’s longstanding contributions to the party during deliberations on the party’s future leadership in the state.
According to the speakers, granting the ticket to Osun West would be a symbol of inclusivity and justice within the APC.
They argued that such a gesture would unite party members and inspire renewed loyalty and support throughout the state.
The gathering also served as a platform for expressing concerns about the party’s past electoral losses, which the groups attributed to internal marginalisation.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustained advocacy until the party addresses their concerns and acts accordingly.
They urged APC leaders to ensure Osun West is actively represented in the next electoral cycle.
The coalition also submitted a formal letter of request to the Osun APC Secretariat immediately following their press briefing.
The letter was received by Aremu Tajudeen, Director of Administration and Finance at the Secretariat.
The APC National Secretariat, Ajibola Basiru had locked against zoning in the party.
Basiru, who is also aspiring to secure the Osun APC giver ticket in the 2026 guber election made this known in a Facebook post on Monday.
The post reads, “Zoning is not in our constitution. People should be free to contest. When you insist on zoning, aren’t you going to canvass votes in other zones whose aspirants you have denied? I’m not in support of zoning.- Senator Ajibola Basiru PhD.”
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