APC Must Win Ekiti, Osun Governorship Polls to Strengthen 2027 Chances – Oyintiloye
By ThankGod Inalegwu
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has said the outcomes of the 2026 governorship elections in Ekiti State and Osun State will serve as a critical test of the party’s strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, stressed that the APC must secure victories in both states to position itself strongly for the national polls scheduled a few months later.
According to him, landslide wins in the Ekiti governorship election scheduled for June 20 and the Osun election slated for August 15 would significantly boost the party’s confidence and consolidate the anticipated re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Oyintiloye described the two elections as strategic indicators of the party’s political standing across the country.
“The Ekiti and Osun elections will serve as a litmus test for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections in the country,” he said. “The two are very crucial for the APC because they will be conducted a few months before the general elections. The party must win the two states.”
He added that victories in both states would strengthen the party’s supremacy in Nigeria’s political landscape and further energise its supporters ahead of the national elections.
Focusing on Osun, Oyintiloye noted that the upcoming governorship contest presents a unique opportunity for the APC to reclaim the state from the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He expressed confidence that the party would achieve victory through a well-coordinated strategy and strong collaboration among its leaders in the state.
Oyintiloye commended prominent APC leaders including former Osun governor Bisi Akande, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, the party’s National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, and the Osun APC chairman Tajudeen Lawal for their efforts toward securing victory for the party.
He also praised the APC governorship candidate in the state, Bola Oyebamiji, describing him as capable, dependable and widely accepted among party members and voters.
“The task has become easier with the choice of our candidate, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, who is a capable, reliable, dependable, promise-keeper and who is acceptable to the majority of our members and others in the state,” he said.
Oyintiloye, however, appealed to aggrieved members of the party to put aside their grievances and unite behind the APC candidate to ensure victory at the polls.
He emphasised that the collective efforts of party members would be crucial to the party’s success in the upcoming elections and its broader ambition of maintaining political dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.