A political group agitating for re-election of former governor of Osun state and minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, “Oyetola Reloaded 2026”, has criticized the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, popularly called SRJ, for what it described as the senator’s subtle blackmail of the minister and calculated attempt to incite members of the party against him in order to force him out of the 2026 governorship race.
While many party members are awaiting the decision of the former governor regarding the 2026, Senator Ajibola Basiru (SRJ), it was revealed, has declared his ambition to run for governorship in 2026, not minding whether Oyetola would still run for the office.
In his Facebook post on Thursday, SRJ said his ambition to contest the 2026 is based on his “readiness to serve our people.”
In recent time, some rag-tag groups associated with the national secretary of APC have been circulating destructive contents to project the former governor as an old, self-serving leader who only prioritizes his political interest ahead of collective gains.
In a statement authored by Afeez Igbalaye of Unit 1, Ward 5, Irepodun Local Government Area but circulated by known associates of Senator Ajibola, ex-Governor Oyetola was derisively described as an old man who should be interested in supporting a younger candidate like the national secretary, rather than still nursing an ambition of returning to government in the state. The minister of Marine and Blue Economy was also described as a “slow motion” leader who must be forced to act decisively on time before the “ship” of the party risked being run aground.
Team SRJ explained that it is “prudent” for the former governor “to focus on his ministerial portfolio”, inviting the elders, youth and women of the party to “rise like a phoenix, roar like lions and galvanize like pillars of resilience” in order to save the party from political oblivion on account of the indecision and inertia of Oyetola.
Reacting, the coordinator of “Oyetola Reloaded 2026”, Hon. Suleiman Adigun, described Team SRJ attempt to blackmail the minister based on his age, as both disrespectful and ungodly.
According to Adigun, “Leadership is not determined by age but by vision, competence, and integrity—all qualities Oyetola embodies. It is disheartening that SRJ, who, against widespread advice, was recommended for the National Secretary position by Oyetola, after he was roundly defeated by a political debutant in the 2023 senate election, would turn around to insult and undermine his benefactor. If anyone should exercise gratitude and restraint, it is SRJ, whose political career owes a significant debt to Oyetola’s magnanimity.”
Adigun continued, “the baseless calls for Oyetola to ‘clarify his political intentions’ are distractions we cannot afford. Elections are still 18 months away, and our discussions should center on rebuilding the APC in Osun, strengthening its structures, and strategizing for victory. Instead, SRJ and his cohorts are busy fanning the flames of division, undermining party unity, and emotionally blackmailing a minister who has served this party with unwavering dedication.
It is hypocritical for SRJ and his allies to accuse Oyetola of indecision when they, themselves, have done little to unite and mobilize the party. It is still fresh in our mind how SRJ, as an incumbent senator and the Director General of Oyetola campaign in 2022 lost in his Alagba Ward 7, in his Osogbo local government and in all the four local governments in his Federal Constituency. APC polled 1,650 votes in SRJ’s ward as against PDP’s 1722 votes in that election. Such a grandstanding politician should be concerned about how to turn the fortune of the party in his base, not how to balkanize it with reckless and arrogant statements. The minister’s current focus on his ministerial duties is not a sign of weakness but a testament to his commitment to serving the nation. If SRJ wants to be a candidate or has aspiration in mind, he should canvass for votes without resorting to cheap blackmail or inciting discontent within the party.
Oyetola Reloaded 2026 added, “the narrative that Oyetola’s age is a barrier to leadership is not only false but a deliberate attempt to mislead party faithful. Leadership is not a ‘relay race’ to be handed over to so-called ‘younger, dynamic leaders’ whose desperation and lack of integrity threaten to destabilize the APC. It is worth reminding SRJ that the party’s mandate was built on the foundation laid by Oyetola, and any attempt to undermine him is a direct attack on the soul of the APC in Osun State.
The group concluded that, “SRJ must temper his ambition, respect the contributions of Oyetola, and cease his divisive rhetoric. The APC needs unity, vision, and credibility to reclaim power in Osun, not the petty antics of ungrateful individuals. The time has come for stakeholders to stand firm, resist these orchestrated distractions, and rally behind the minister as he focuses on delivering results for the party and the nation. The APC cannot afford to be derailed by the selfish interests of a few: the party’s survival depends on it.”
