The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, has attributed the growing support for his campaign to extensive grassroots mobilisation and endorsements from various groups across the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Oyebamiji said his campaign had gained momentum following engagements with different sectors, including community leaders, traders, artisans, youths, women, civil servants and professional groups.
Speaking on Tuesday during the Arise News Osun Governorship Town Hall meeting held in Osogbo, the APC candidate dismissed claims that his campaign was relying on external influence, insisting that his strength came from the support and acceptance of Osun residents.
Oyebamiji said he had embarked on several rounds of consultations across the state, visiting more than 30 local government areas on three different occasions to interact with stakeholders and mobilise support for his candidacy.
“I have visited 30-plus local government areas in Osun State three times. Nobody has ever done that,” he said.
He explained that his first tour focused on consulting APC members and assessing their readiness for the election, adding that the response from party members was overwhelming.
According to him, subsequent visits were aimed at strengthening the campaign structure through the inauguration of canvassers and engagement with grassroots stakeholders.
“I have to go around the local governments to inaugurate those canvassers, and they were charged, they were motivated and they were encouraged. It’s quite illuminating,” he said.
The former commissioner added that he later met with market leaders, artisans, community representatives, civil servants and other groups, saying the interactions reinforced his belief that many residents were seeking a change in leadership.
Oyebamiji also disclosed that his campaign had received endorsements from about 42 groups and sectors within the last two months, describing the support as a reflection of the acceptance of his message and political agenda.
He listed traders, women, youths, private sector operators, civil servants and other stakeholders among groups that had shown support for his aspiration.
The APC candidate maintained that the outcome of the election would be determined by the people of Osun rather than political influence or external forces.
“By special grace of God, I’m coming in as the governor of Osun come August 15, 2026. It is not by any power, whether national power or mighty power; it is by the people,” he said.
Oyebamiji also dismissed concerns over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s popularity, urging voters to compare the backgrounds, experience and leadership records of the two leading candidates before making their decision.
He argued that his experience as a former commissioner and administrator positioned him to effectively manage the affairs of the state.
“Put Bola Oyebamiji with his background and put the governor side by side, and you want to employ an MD of a private enterprise. Who out of those two would you pick?” he asked.