Osun 2026: How APC’s Candidate, Oyebamiji Momentum Is Growing Ahead Of August 20 Poll
Bola Oyebamiji
In the last one week, the APC flag bearer in the August 20, 2026 Osun off-cycle election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji has embarked on an aggressive grassroots campaign anchored on policy proposals and a development agenda. This has attracted endorsements from market associations, artisans, religious organisations, traditional institutions and community groups. This feature examines Oyebamiji’s campaign strategy, and the growing coalition of support that will swing votes to the APC in the election.
With less than one month to the August 20, 2026 governorship election in Osun State, political activities have intensified across the state as candidates make their final push to win the confidence of voters.
While the contest remains a straight battle between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Governor Ademola Adeleke and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), political observers say the race has entered a decisive phase where campaigns, endorsements and grassroots mobilisation may ultimately determine the outcome.
Among the developments attracting attention is what many within the APC describe as the growing momentum behind its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).
Since emerging as the APC standard-bearer, the former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has embarked on an extensive statewide campaign, visiting communities, traditional institutions, religious leaders, professional associations, market groups and artisans to market what he calls the Osun Prosperity Agenda.
Unlike campaigns dominated by personality attacks, Oyebamiji has consistently attempted to frame the election around governance, economic revival and institutional reforms. At virtually every campaign stop, he argues that Osun requires a new direction built on prudent management of resources, infrastructure renewal, job creation, improved education and healthcare delivery.
The APC candidate has repeatedly maintained that his aspiration is driven by a desire to reposition Osun as one of Nigeria’s most economically viable states.
According to him, governance under his administration would focus on measurable outcomes rather than political rhetoric.
“My decision to contest for the governorship seat was deliberate and intentional. We have assembled a team of professionals to examine every critical sector of the economy with a view to making immediate interventions in power generation, education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, industrialisation and workers’ welfare.
“Our objective is simple—to stimulate economic growth, attract investments, create jobs and improve the quality of life of every resident of Osun State,” he said.
Development-Centred Agenda
Throughout his campaign, Oyebamiji has identified electricity as one of the pillars of his economic blueprint, arguing that reliable power supply is fundamental to industrial development, small businesses and youth employment.
He has also promised to invest heavily in education through improved infrastructure, teacher development and enhanced learning outcomes, while pledging to strengthen the state’s healthcare system by expanding access to quality medical services across urban and rural communities.
Agriculture occupies another strategic position in his campaign manifesto.
According to the APC candidate, modernising agriculture through mechanisation, value-chain development and access to finance will not only improve food security but also generate employment opportunities for thousands of young people.
Security also features prominently in his campaign.
He has consistently argued that sustainable economic growth cannot thrive in an environment where investors and residents do not feel safe.
Consequently, he has pledged to strengthen collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions and community policing structures to improve security across the state.
Oyebamiji has equally promised to create an investor-friendly environment by simplifying government processes, supporting small and medium-scale enterprises and encouraging private sector participation in infrastructure development.
“We will be fair, transparent and accountable. Government resources will be distributed equitably across all communities without discrimination.
“Our administration will be people-centred, development-driven and inclusive because every part of Osun deserves quality governance,” he stated.
Building Political Capital Through Endorsements
Beyond articulating policy proposals, the APC candidate has continued to expand his political base through endorsements from influential groups and organisations across the state.
Political analysts note that while endorsements alone do not determine election outcomes, they often shape public perception, energise party supporters and strengthen grassroots mobilisation.
One of the most visible endorsements came from traders at the popular Igbonna Market in Osogbo.
Thousands of market men and women gathered at the market square to publicly identify with the APC candidate.
Speaking during the event, the Babaloja-General of Osun State, Chief David Iyiola, represented by the Otun Babaloja of Igbonna Market, Chief Muideen Ajao, and the market secretary, Mrs. Okunoye Temitope, said the traders were convinced that Oyebamiji possesses the experience and leadership qualities required to improve the state’s economy.
“We are convinced that Oyebamiji has the competence, capacity and experience to transform Osun State.
“We believe his administration will improve the welfare of traders, create a better business environment and restore economic prosperity.
“Our members across markets in Osun will mobilise massively in support of his candidature,” the traders declared.
Religious Community Backs APC Candidate
The Muslim community has also expressed confidence in Oyebamiji.
President of the Osun State Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustapha Olawuyi, described the APC candidate as a devout Muslim whose humanitarian activities have positively impacted many people over the years.
“Oyebamiji is known to us as a committed Muslim whose contributions to the propagation of Islam, support for the Muslim Ummah and humanitarian causes cannot be quantified,” Olawuyi said.
He, however, maintained that the organisation remained non-partisan despite acknowledging Oyebamiji’s longstanding relationship with the Muslim community.
Support from Artisans
The Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Osun State chapter, also endorsed the APC candidate.
According to the association, Oyebamiji’s economic vision places strong emphasis on vocational skills, entrepreneurship and technical development, areas they believe are essential for reducing unemployment and empowering artisans.
The association expressed confidence that an AMBO administration would create policies favourable to skilled workers and small businesses.
Traditional Institutions Join the Movement
Another significant boost to the APC campaign came from the endorsement of the three major ruling houses in Osogbo—Sogbodede, Matanmi and Lahanmi.
Leaders of the ruling houses said they reached the decision after consultations among stakeholders concerned about the future of Osogbo.
Speaking on behalf of the ruling houses, Prince Agboola, Prince Yekini Oyeniyi and Prince Tafa Olugbeja alleged that Osogbo had suffered political and developmental setbacks in recent years.
The traditional leaders also expressed concerns over boundary-related issues affecting the ancient town and called for leadership capable of protecting Osogbo’s historical identity and accelerating development.
They pledged to mobilise support for the APC candidate during the August 20 election.
Cooperative Movement Throws Weight Behind AMBO
The Ere Ododo Muslim Cooperative Society, a non-interest cooperative organisation committed to poverty reduction and economic empowerment, also endorsed Oyebamiji.
Responding, the APC flag bearer said the cooperative’s philosophy aligns with his economic agenda centred on inclusive growth, financial inclusion and community development.
“This endorsement is not merely symbolic. It demonstrates growing confidence in our collective vision to build a prosperous Osun where opportunities are available to everyone regardless of social status or location,” he said.
