The Coalition of Osogbo Youth and Women’s Groups has demanded that the All Progressives Congress (APC) zone its 2026 governorship ticket to Osogbo, citing electoral strength, mobilisation readiness and historical contribution. The coalition made this demand during a press address at Osogbo City Hall, Oke-Olonkoro, on Tuesday.
The group noted that two Osogbo-born aspirants remained in the APC race following the withdrawal of Senator Ajibola Basiru (SRJ), the National Secretary of the party, who had earlier indicated interest but later stepped down. They identified the remaining aspirants as Mr. Kunle Rasheed Adegoke (K-RAD), SAN, and Professor Rafiu Durodoye. The coalition stated indirectly that both men enjoy significant goodwill across Osogbo’s traditional institutions, youth communities, business leaders and civic organisations.
According to the coalition’s statement, “Our purpose this morning is straightforward,” “As the APC undertakes the screening of aspirants for the 2026 governorship ticket, our demand is simple: Osogbo deserves to be considered for the governorship ticket, and the reasons extend beyond sentiment.” the statement reads.
The coalition argued indirectly that Osogbo holds the state’s most strategic electoral advantage. According to them, the recently updated voter register shows 1,954,800 registered voters statewide, with Osogbo and Olorunda alone accounting for no fewer than 300,000 representing about 15% of total registered voters and ranking as the highest voter concentration in any single community in Osun. They added that this voting strength has historically shaped closely contested elections.
The coalition also stressed that Osogbo stakeholders had demonstrated an uncommon level of mobilisation readiness. The coalition stated that after extensive engagements with traditional rulers, youth groups, business leaders and civic bodies, the consensus was that an Osogbo born APC candidate would enjoy maximum mobilisation from the town’s grassroots structures. “The resolve is genuine and collective,” they said.
The coalition emphasised that Adegoke and Durodoye both represent competence, credibility and strong community backing. They noted that Durodoye is a United States based Professor of Mathematics, while Adegoke, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has been a long standing APC member and previously contested for the governorship seat in 2018.
The coalition urged the APC screening committee to give serious consideration to the Osogbo aspirants. They called on the party leadership to engage both men directly, assess their alignment with Osogbo’s aspirations, and take into account the strong mobilisation commitment Osogbo is willing to provide.
“Selecting an Osogbo-born candidate strengthens the party’s electoral prospects,” the statement added.
The coalition said indirectly that other major political parties had already reserved their tickets for the West Senatorial District. They argued that APC alone still had the opportunity to demonstrate fairness and balanced representation by considering Osogbo.
During an interview with Insight Media correspondent, Abdulrahman Okunade, Esq., representing the Osogbo Affairs Forum (OSAF), said, “The purpose of this is simple. Osun people are saying it is time for them to also be given the opportunity to govern Osun State.” He stated that indirectly that with the PDP and ADC already committed to candidates outside Osogbo, the APC had a unique chance to carry Osogbo along.
Representing Osogbo progressive youth movement, Latif Abass Olushola said , “Now is the turn of Osogbo to be Governor of Osun State… We are pleading with the APC leadership hierarchy to consider Osogbo this time around.”
He warned indirectly that overlooking Osogbo could trigger unrest within the party, adding that the message from the town was clear and consistent.
Also speaking, Comrade Adeleke Idris, President of the Osogbo National Students Union, said the students were united behind the call. “The main purpose for this is to fight for our rights,” he said. “Osogbo has been the state capital of Osun State, we need Osogbo to produce the next governor.
The coalition concluded by reaffirming its readiness to partner with the APC to deliver a united, community rooted campaign should an Osogbo indigene emerge as the party’s candidate.
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