The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has officially declared that he will not participate in the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
Oyetola, a former governor of the state, made the announcement amid speculations about his potential return to the race. While the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had previously hinted at granting him the right of first refusal for the party’s ticket, the minister made it clear that he is stepping aside.
He encouraged all aspirants interested in the party’s ticket to engage in wide consultations and carry along party leaders and members as they prepare for the primaries.
Wishing the contenders success in their ambitions, Oyetola stressed the importance of unity within the party, urging stakeholders to work collectively to ensure the APC presents a strong, united front in the 2026 election.
Oyetola served as governor of Osun State from 2018 to 2022 but lost his re-election bid to the current governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
So far, several APC chieftains have indicated interest in the governorship race, including CEO of the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji; APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; former PDP chieftain Dotun Babayemi; businessman Akin Ogunbiyi; and former Senator Babajide Omoworare. These aspirants have reportedly begun consultations with party leadership ahead of the primaries.
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