A group within the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC), Osun Progressives Independent Forum (OPIF), has urged the leadership of the party to throw the gubernatorial ticket of the party open to all intending governorship contenders.
The group said the future of APC and Osun State depends on selecting a candidate based on merit, not sentiments.
It added that what the party needs to win the 2026 election is a candidate with proven track records in leadership, vast experience in governance, and the ability to connect with a wide array of voter groups.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Osogbo, the coordinator of the group, Satiregun Olayiwola, said the issue of zoning should be discarded when choosing a candidate for the party.
Olayiwola said the process of selecting a candidate as the party flag bearer should be all-inclusive, transparent, and without favour or pressure from any quarters.
According to him, “The future of APC and Osun State depends on selecting a candidate based on merit, not sentiments. It is imperative that our party evaluates potential candidates against clear criteria, including antecedents, experience, electoral viability, courage, and demographic appeal.
“Advocating for a particular zone, region, or senatorial district should be discarded to avoid repeating what befell our party in 2018/2022. This division resulted in some loyalists leaving the party, leading to a rerun in an election we could have easily won. The consequences of this were felt in the 2022 governorship election.
“What APC needed to win in 2026 is a candidate with proven track records in leadership, vast experience in governance, and the ability to connect with a wide array of voter groups. The will to bell the cat on critical Osun issues and the vision to lead the state toward sustainable development are also paramount. This process should be all-inclusive, transparent, and without favour or pressure from any quarters.
“Therefore, we are appealing to the leadership of our party, APC, to carefully consider the aspirants who possess the qualities of soundness, vibrancy, competence, and integrity. We need someone who is marketable and ready to serve, not anyone who will act as a pawn for a few individuals at the expense of the people of Osun.”
Speaking further, Olayiwola said the group’s objective was to garner votes for APC and serve as the megaphone of our party.
“Our Forum has contributed to the success of our party in all elections. We are party focused. Our objectives are to garner votes for APC and serve as the megaphone of our great party.
“Throughout 2024, OPIF engaged in several key activities to advance our mission. These included grassroots sensitisation programs, policy dialogues, and stakeholder engagements, all designed to ensure that APC remains the party of choice in Osun State. We also provided robust advocacy for transparency and inclusiveness in party processes, including critical interventions to support unity and resolve internal disputes.
“In 2025, OPIF will be committed to redoubling its efforts to build upon its successes. Major plans for the coming year include grassroots outreach, promoting youth and women’s active involvement in politics, and promoting internal democracy in APC,” he added.
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