News

Osun 2026: AMBO Ends Consultation Across 30 LGAs, Emerges APC Front-Runner in Consultation Tour that is Widely Accepted

Published by admin on October 21st, 2025.

Osun 2026: AMBO Ends Consultation Across 30 LGAs, Emerges APC Front-Runner in Consultation Tour that is Widely Accepted

By Adebayo Adedeji

The Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji’s gubernatorial consultations across Osun’s 30 Local Government Areas and Ife-East Area Office, Modakeke were rounded off last Sunday, 19th October, 2025, with a visit to Gbongan, the headquarters of Ayedaade Local Government Area. The statewide consultation, designed by the AMBO Movement to interface with members, leaders and stakeholders in the Osun All Progressives Congress (APC) to espouse the 2026 governorship ambition of the former commissioner of finance in the state and current Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waters Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), began on June 3, 2025 at Ola-Oluwa, Ayedire and Iwo Local Government Areas of the state.

The consultations drew overwhelming grassroots support. AMBO’s message emphasized unity, transparency and performance-driven leadership, positioning him as APC’s leading contender for the Osun governorship race.

In Ola-Oluwa, Ayedire and Iwo, Oyebamiji received massive support and endorsement from party leaders, who described him as the most qualified to fly the APC flag in 2026. He dispelled rumours of “position sharing,” urging unity and civility among aspirants. The team later visited the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Akanbi, who prayed for his success.

On June 28, the consultation trail of AMBO landed in Ede North, Ede South and Egbedore Local Government Areas. Here, he expressed delight at the crowd in Governor Ademola Adeleke’s hometown and reaffirmed his confidence in APC’s victory in 2026. Oyebamiji, again, dismissed rumours of pre-selected cabinet members, emphasizing unity within the party. Former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Ambassador Adejare Bello and other party stalwarts praised his track record and pledged total support.

On June 29, the consultation moved to Boluwaduro and Ifelodun Local Government Areas, where his ambition received another boost as APC leaders in the two LGs declared him the party’s best bet for 2026. AMBO thanked them for their loyalty and called for unity, stressing the need for a friendly contest. The current Minority Leader in the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Femi Popoola and the first Speaker in Osun State, Rt. Hon. Wale Afolabi lauded Oyebamiji’s competence, describing him as “the most sellable aspirant.” The team also received royal blessings from the Owa of Igbajo, Oba Phillips Adegboyega Famodun.

On July 18, the AMBO Movement visited Ife South and Ife North Local Government Areas, where Oyebamiji urged APC members to mobilize for PVC registration, assuring the people of prudent management if elected.

Former Commissioner for Education, Hon. Folorunso Bamisayemi, and other leaders praised Oyebamiji’s integrity and capacity to lead Osun effectively.

July 19 was the turn of Obokun and Oriade Local Government Areas, otherwise known as Ijesa North federal constituency. Oyebamiji reassured APC supporters over Governor Adeleke’s rumoured defection, saying party leaders were in control. Ijesa-North leaders endorsed him, hailing his outstanding record as former Managing Director of Osun State Investment Company (OSICOL) and Finance Commissioner. Hon. Tunji Adesokun and other stakeholders commended his financial acumen, describing him as the best prepared for Osun’s top job.

On August 9, Oyebamiji paid visits to Ifedayo and Odo-Otin local government areas. He used his visits to Ifedayo and Odo-Otin to encourage massive participation in the INEC voter registration. Party leaders, including Mrs. Funke Egbemode (former Commissioner for Information), Prince Abdullahi Binuyo (former Deputy Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Oyetola) and ALGON Chairman Hon. Abiodun Idowu, declared their total support. They described AMBO as the only aspirant with the vision and experience to reposition Osun.

On August 10, the party stakeholders in Orolu and Irepodun local government areas warmly received Oyebamiji and his entourage, pledging full support and massive mobilization for his victory and President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election. He appreciated their loyalty, urging continued unity and preparation for voter registration. The team also paid a condolence visit to a mourning Mrs. Sofia Adebayo.

In Atakumosa West and Atakumosa East on September 12, Oyebamiji pledged to make agriculture the backbone of his administration if elected, describing it as key to food security and revenue generation.

According to him, “We will prioritize agriculture and support our farmers and SMEs. Reviving our economy starts with the soil,” he said.

APC State Treasurer, Hon. Femi Kujembola, commended Oyebamiji’s decorum and adherence to party guidelines, while local leaders reaffirmed their support, describing him as “a round peg in a round hole.”

On September 14, when AMBO visited Modakeke, Ife Central and Ife East in Ife Federal Constituency, he promised to unlock Osun’s tourism potential and address infrastructure deficits.

He stated: “Ile-Ife is rich in culture and tourism. With proper investment and security, we can attract part of the N11 trillion projected tourism revenue nationwide.”

Party stalwarts, including the apex leader, Chief Abdul-Wahab Adetunji (Olowo-Asalu) endorsed his candidature, citing his vision for grassroots development.

Oyebamiji’s visit to Ejigbo on October 13 was like an home-coming because according to the speakers at the event, founders of Ejigbo and Ikire, hometown of Oyebamiji, were brothers. APC leaders declared full support for his aspiration, praising his experience and capacity.

“Oyebamiji is the most competent aspirant to lead our party to victory,” said Hon. Bade Falade, a former member of House of Representatives and Director General of Iyiola Omisore Governorship Campaign in 2018.

Oyebamiji assured that his government would be inclusive and participatory, emphasizing unity within the party.

Shortly after his visit to Ejigbo, AMBO in company with selected members of his team moved to Akinlalu in Ife North Local Government Area to register his condolences over the extra judicial killings of their beloved by operatives of the Osun State Amotekun. He assured the traditional ruler of the community as well as deceased’s families of justice over the untimely deaths of their loved ones. He promised academic scholarships, up to tertiary institutions, to the affected families just as he donated cash and material rewards to the victims’ families and youths of the area.

On October 14, the AMBO Movement berthed at Irewole and Isokan where thousands of residents of Ikire, Apomu and Ikoyi trooped out to welcome Oyebamiji.

“This massive support shows acceptance and love,” Oyebamiji said, urging citizens to collect their PVCs.

Leaders including Hon. Osunlakin Basiru and Hon. Olasunkanmi Omotuntun, former member of House of Assembly in Osun, described Oyebamiji as “the popular choice” to reclaim Osun for APC.

Hundreds of PDP members defected to the APC on this day.

On the 16th October when Oyebamiji took his consultation to Ilesa East and Ilesa West, residents of the ancient town gave him a hero’s welcome as APC leaders, including the former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Timothy Owoeye and Engr Remi Omowaiye (a former commissioner in the state), declared his emergence “a walk-over.

“We’ll industrialize Ijesaland, promote commerce, and invest in tourism,” Oyebamiji assured the residents.

On October 17, Osogbo and Olorunda stood still as thousands received Oyebamiji.

“Developing our capital city is non-negotiable,” AMBO stated.

APC chieftains such as Engr. Olalekan Badmus (Asiwaju Musulumi of Osogbo) and Amb. Issah Niniola (SSA on Protocol to President Bola Tinubu) described Oyebamiji’s aspiration as divine, while AMBO reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive, transparent governance.

On October 18, Ila and Boripe local government hosted Oyebamiji, declaring him “the popular choice” to lead the APC in 2026.

Addressing the supporters, Oyebamiji expressed gratitude for the massive turnout, saying, “We are highly impressed by the support across all local governments visited so far.”

APC members filled the streets of Ila-Orangun, Iragbiji, and Iree, chanting solidarity songs in support of Oyebamiji. Prominent leaders including Hon. Joshua Adediji, Hon. Joshua Adedokun, Hon. Bello Osuolale, Prince Adebayo Adeleke, Hon. Lateef Adebisi Jayeola, Hon. Taye Adeyemi, Hon. Yinka Ajayi, and others, lauded Oyebamiji’s competence and loyalty to party ideals.

Hon. Osuolale reaffirmed Boripe’s loyalty to the APC leader and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, pledging unity ahead of 2026.

Prince Adeleke, a former commissioner, added: “AMBO is our choice. We have confidence in his competence to lead APC to victory. No matter the mode of primary, Oyebamiji will emerge victorious.”

Hon. Jaiyeola, a former member of the state assembly, described Oyebamiji as “the only candidate to beat anytime, any day,” while Hon. Yinka Ajayi, a former federal legislator, called him ” tested, trusted and the best man for the job.”

Oyebamiji commended the leaders and members for their steadfast support, assuring, “This massive acceptance shows our people are with us, and we won’t let them down.”

Ayedaade marked the 30th local government to be visited by the AMBO Movement and it ended on a high note as APC leaders and members received the Ikire-born politician and finance expert amid excitement, pledging total support for his governorship aspiration.

Party stalwarts including Pa. Edward Bowade, Hon. Soji Opawuni, Hon. Taiwo Oluga, Hon. Adebayo Taiwo Olodo, Hon. Ismaila Alagbada, and Hon. Sabaina Adegboye affirmed their confidence in Oyebamiji’s capacity to return APC to power.

Hon. Oluga, a former member of the House of Representatives, stated, “Gbongan is for AMBO—no more, no less. He’s a man of humility, integrity, and sincerity; the perfect man for the job.”

Hon. Olodo, an ex-legislator, added that Oyebamiji’s choice was “based on conviction, given his proven track record.”

In his remarks, Oyebamiji thanked supporters and reaffirmed his plan to revitalize Osun’s economy through agriculture and rural development.

“This is an agrarian council. We’ll prioritize agriculture, support our farmers with tools and infrastructure, and make Osun self-sufficient when elected,” he promised.

He concluded by appreciating the overwhelming receptions across the state, saying, “The turnout everywhere shows our people’s belief in our vision. We are for them, and they are for us.”

The reception accorded Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) during his consultation tours across the 30 local government areas in Osun State is a testament to his popularity in the state. His issue-based engagement has been described as profound, drawing many residents and supporters to him.

As the APC governorship primary in Osun draws nearer, the pendulum seems to be swinging in the direction of the Balogun Musulumi of Irewole/Isokan/Ayedaade and Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) whom many have described as a philanthropist with humility and a professional with decency and capacity to lead Osun on a path of economic renewal and prosperity.