Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has officially declared that he will not be contesting the 2026 governorship election in the state.
Oyetola made the announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held on Friday in Osogbo.
His statement effectively ends weeks of speculation suggesting he might make a return bid for the governorship position he lost in 2022.
His declaration comes on the heels of comments by Muniru Raji, Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke, who on Thursday claimed in a podcast that Oyetola would be the easiest APC candidate to defeat in 2026. Raji boasted that Oyetola would lose again if fielded by the party.
Putting the rumours to rest, Oyetola said: “We have qualified, competent individuals with outstanding track records vying for the governorship ticket, and this is our unique advantage going into the election.”
The meeting, which also had in attendance Osun APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal and Chairman of the party’s Elders’ Caucus, Sola Akinwumi, focused on unifying the party and strategising ahead of the 2026 elections.
Oyetola emphasised the importance of internal unity, warning aspirants and their supporters against divisive rhetoric and urging them to uphold decorum throughout the campaign process.
“We must remain united and avoid statements or actions that could create divisions. Our goal is to reclaim Osun, and we must work together as one,” he said.
He also pledged to continue supporting the APC both at the state and national levels to ensure the party’s electoral success.
Confirming the development on Saturday, Osun APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi stated: “The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, informed the stakeholders at the meeting that he is not interested in contesting the next governorship election.”
Olabisi added that Oyetola charged the aspirants to support whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer and to commit themselves to the overall victory of the APC.
Among the aspirants present at the meeting were Barrister Kunle Adegoke, Dotun Babayemi, Bola Oyebamiji, Senator Mudasiru Hussein, and Senator Babajide Omoworare.
The stakeholders’ gathering is seen as a strategic step in repositioning the APC in Osun ahead of the 2026 polls, with party leaders rallying to ensure a united front and seamless transition in candidate selection.
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