The Forum of All Local Government Chairmen from the Osun West Senatorial District, under the All Progressives Congress has called for the party’s governorship ticket in the 2026 elections to be zoned to their district if former governor Adegboyega Oyetola does not contest.
This demand was made in a communiqué issued after a meeting held in Iwo, Osun State, on Wednesday, attended by 41 former local government chairmen. The communiqué, signed by Aderemi Abbas, former Chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, and 40 others, stressed the importance of equity and justice in determining the governorship candidate.
“Osun West remains the most suitable and best positioned to win the next governorship election for the APC. Since the creation of the state, our district has not been afforded equal opportunities as other senatorial districts to produce a governor,” the communiqué read.
The forum argued that Osun West had been historically disadvantaged, with Osun East holding the governorship for eight years and Osun Central for over 15 years, while Osun West has only governed for five years and six months.
“Zoning the ticket to Osun West is both justifiable and necessary to redress this inequity,” the forum stated.
The group pledged to collaborate with other senatorial districts to field a strong candidate capable of defeating the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, in 2026.
“The forum believes in the principle of ‘right of first refusal’ for former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. However, if he chooses not to contest, the party must ensure that the governorship ticket is zoned to Osun West in the interest of justice, fairness, and equity,” the communiqué added.
The APC leadership in Osun West also appealed to Chief Bisi Akande, the party’s pioneer National Chairman, for his support. In a congratulatory message marking Akande’s 86th birthday, signed by the Osun West Senatorial District Chairman, Akintola Omolaoye, the district leaders described him as a “repository of political wisdom.”
The message stated, “Your political experience is a pool of wisdom from which many have drawn inspiration since 1999. We trust in your commitment to fairness, justice, equity, and inclusivity, which are essential for sustaining democratic governance.”
The communiqué concluded with a plea for Akande to champion their aspiration if Oyetola decides not to run.