Dep Gov Choice Sparks Tension In Osun APC As Ife Caucus Kicks Against Alleged Imposition

Fresh tensions are brewing within the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following protests by party leaders in the Ife Federal Constituency over the nomination of the party’s deputy governorship candidate ahead of the 2026 governorship election scheduled for August.

At a leadership meeting held in Ife, prominent party elders from across the four local governments in the constituency raised concerns over what they described as a lack of consultation in the emergence of the running mate to former governor and current minister of marine and blue economy, Gboyega Oyetola.

The meeting, presided over by former Osun deputy governor, Sooko Adeleke Adewoyin, also featured discussions with former deputy national chairman of the APC, Iyiola Omisore, as party stakeholders sought clarification on whether he had been consulted before the nomination of the deputy governorship candidate.

Participants at the meeting expressed regret that what they termed “another imposition” could deepen disaffection within the party in Ife and worsen tensions between political blocs in Ife North and Ife Central.

“The leadership of the party in Ife Federal Constituency dissociates itself from the imposition of the deputy governorship candidate,” the elders said, warning that the development could undermine unity within the party ahead of the poll.

They also criticised what they described as the “militarisation of Osun politics”, saying the party must adopt a more inclusive approach if it hopes to win the forthcoming election.

The leaders urged the Osun APC chairman, Taju Lawal, to broaden consultations within the party structure.

“The state chairman should be inclusive and not co-opt a few people to appropriate the leadership of Ife to himself,” the stakeholders said.

The meeting also raised concerns about what it described as double nominations affecting two party members — Hon. Lekan Olatunji and Mr Benjamin Adereti — for the same position.
According to the leaders, the development could aggravate internal divisions and inflame sensitive political and cultural interests within the Ife axis.

“The double nominations of the initial candidate, Hon. Lekan Olatunji, and later Mr Benjamin Adereti is volatile and could divide the unity of different cultural interests within the Ife area,” they said.

The elders warned that the situation could potentially reignite long-standing rivalries in Ife land.

“The situation that could ignite already settled ethnic rivalry in Ife land is a low one for the party,” the leaders said.

The caucus also objected to a proposed reception being planned by a segment of the party for the nominated running mate, saying the event was being organised without the involvement of all interests within the party in the constituency.

Despite the grievances, the leaders said they would continue to observe developments within the party and assess the sincerity of reconciliation efforts after candidates for other elective offices emerge later in the year.
“We will be convinced of genuine reconciliation after all candidates for other elective positions might have emerged in May this year,” they said.

They added that the distribution of political offices following the governorship primaries would be closely watched to ensure fairness across party interests.

“The situation where who takes what after the challenged governorship primaries in order to ensure fairness and assuage poor feelings of other party interests must be guaranteed,” the leaders said, emphasising “We condemned the imposition in its entirety. We are awaiting what Oyetola has in plans for the Senate, House of Representatives and Assembly candidates which must be completed by the end of May before we take holistic steps and determine our position and direction.”

As part of efforts to resolve the dispute, the meeting set up a five-member committee to engage senior leaders of the party, including elder statesmen Alani Akinrinade and Adebisi Akande.

The elders said the committee would hold consultations aimed at achieving reconciliation and lasting peace within the party before the next meeting of the Ife APC leadership.

The meeting was attended by several party leaders from the Ife axis, including Prince Omolade Binuyo, Alhaji Basiru Awotorebo, Alhaji Olafiranye, Mr Kole Akinrinade, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole, Mr Kayode Akintifonbo, Alhaji Olowo Asalu, Prof. Moses Awogbade, Mr John Fakunle, Mr Mafikuyomi, Hon. F’Olorunso Oladoyin, Hon. Wale Ojo, Hon. Jamiu Olawumi, Hon. Ogunremi, Mr Tona Famadewa, and Senator Omisore.