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  • APC, Accord, ADC, and permutations ahead of Osun 2026 race

    APC, Accord, ADC, and permutations ahead of Osun 2026 race

    After party primaries ended on December 15, 2025, as set by the INEC, preparations began for the August 8, 2026, off-cycle governorship election in Osun State. Correspondent Toba Adedeji gives an overview of the political contest.

    The selection of governorship candidates in Osun State has changed the landscape ahead of the 2026 election. As a result, stakeholders and supporters are now forming alliances and building grassroots support for what looks to be a closely contested race to decide who will lead from the Bola Ige House for the next four years.

    Meanwhile, in 2025, major opposition parties in the state, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Allied Peoples Movement (APM), began seeking credible candidates to represent them in the election, a move that sparked political stirrings.

    APC and emergence of Oyebamiji:

    Within the APC, calls grew stronger to zone the governorship ticket to the Osun West Senatorial District, especially if the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, chose not to run again. Political leaders and groups from the district pushed hard for this consideration.

    Oyetola later withdrew from the race, which allowed nine aspirants to compete for the party’s governorship ticket.

    Those who aspired for the APC ticket include: Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, former Managing Director of NIWA (Ikire, Osun West); Iyiola Omisore, former Deputy Governor (Ile-Ife, Osun East); Prince Dotun Babayemi (Gbongan, Osun West); Benedict Alabi, former Deputy Governor (Ikire, Osun West); Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, insurance magnate (Ile-Oogbo, Osun West); Kunle Adegoke, SAN (Osogbo, Osun Central); Senator Babajide Omoworare (Ile-Ife, Osun East); Dr Mulikat Jimoh, former Osun House of Assembly member (Ikirun, Osun Central); and Babatunde Hareter Oralusi (Ile-Ife, Osun East).

    After the screening, only Oyebamiji and Dr Mulikat Jimoh, the only female aspirant, were cleared to contest the primary. This caused tension within the party until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened.

    Eventually, a consensus was reached, and Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (popularly known as AMBO) was presented as the APC governorship candidate on December 13, 2025.

    Since Oyebamiji became the candidate, the party has experienced some tension. Omisore openly expressed his dissatisfaction, accusing Oyetola of supporting Oyebamiji and utilising party resources to aid him.

    Later, party leaders held a reconciliation meeting at Chief Bisi Akande’s home in December 2025. All aspirants were told to join forces within the APC to help the party win. The State Working Committee also encouraged the eight aspirants to unite and work together before the election.

    The party said that Oyebamiji’s selection unsettled the ruling party. Through the Director of Media, Chief Kola Olabisi, and APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal, they praised the aspirants for accepting the result without bitterness.

    Lawal also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Akande, Alhaji Oyetola, the Agba Osun Caucus, and other stakeholders whose interventions ensured a seamless primary.

    Olabisi said the peaceful primary proved wrong those who predicted problems and showed the party’s unity. He also said that aspirants who put the party first would be remembered well in the party’s history.

    He encouraged party members to work together as a strong, united team in the August 8, 2026, election, aiming to win back power from Governor Ademola Adeleke.

    Read Also: Tinubu laying strong foundation for long-term prosperity – Information Minister

    Strengths of the APC:

    One of the APC’s main strengths is its unity since losing power in 2022. Except for former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who was expelled with his allies for alleged anti-party activities, the party has not lost any major figures to the ruling party.

    On the contrary, APC has gained prominent politicians from the PDP, including Senators Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East) and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central); House of Representatives members, Oluwole Oke, Sanya Omirin, and Taofeek Ajilesoro; and former PDP National Deputy Chairman, Chief Shuaib Oyedokun.

    The party also boasts influential leaders across the nine federal constituencies, including Senator Ajibola Basiru, APC National Secretary; Engr. Olalekan Badmus in Osogbo; Kayode Oduoye in Ikirun; Oyetola in Iragbiji; Chief Akande and Fadeyi in Ila-Orangun; Babayemi in Gbongan; and Oyebamiji in Ikire.

    APC’s weaknesses:

    A main concern for the APC is that reconciliation may not be complete, especially with disqualified aspirants like Omisore, who may not fully support the party’s success.

    Also, if the party does not choose a strong deputy governorship candidate from important towns like Osogbo or Ile-Ife, its chances could be hurt.

    The APC may also face challenges in Ede North and South, Governor Adeleke’s hometown, and in local governments such as Egbedore, Orolu, Iwo, Ayedire, Odo-Otin, and Ola-Oluwa, where the current governor has invested heavily in infrastructure.

    Adeleke’s chances:

    In the lead-up to its planned primary in 2025, PDP chairman Sunday Bisi said internal problems made it impossible to hold the event. He explained that Governor Adeleke’s participation would depend on whether the crisis was resolved within INEC’s timeline, which shaped the party’s immediate strategy.

    Consequently, Adeleke left the PDP for the Accord Party, taking with him members of his cabinet and political appointees. As the only aspirant, he became the Accord Party’s governorship candidate and promised to seek a second term.

    Accord’s strengths:

    The Accord Party’s main strength lies in its successful merger with the PDP structure. Furthermore, while Adeleke has revived the party, Accord also benefits from its position on the ballot, which comes before the APC.

    Adeleke’s position as governor, his influence in the civil service, focus on workers’ welfare, promotions, and payment of salary arrears have made him more popular. His work on infrastructure in Ede, Ilesa, Osogbo, Ila-Orangun, Iwo, and other areas is also likely to win votes.

    Most PDP members remain loyal to Adeleke, and he also has support from Senator Lere Oyewumi, six House of Representatives members, and 23 state lawmakers. This further improves his chances.

    Accord’s weaknesses:

    A big weakness is that many voters, especially in rural areas, do not know much about the party’s ideology. Many still link Adeleke to the PDP and may not be aware that he has switched parties.

    The party’s weak grassroots structure is another challenge, so it must depend on the PDP networks it inherited. Some PDP loyalists may also refuse to back Adeleke because of their loyalty to the party.

    Aregbesola’s ADC:

    At the same time, former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, now the ADC’s National Secretary, is another key player in the race. He and his allies left the APC in 2025 after being expelled for alleged anti-party activities, adding a new dynamic to the competition.

    The ADC has been mobilising support with figures such as former Speaker Najeem Salam, former SSG Moshood Adeoti, Senator Adelere Oriolowo, and former APC chairmen Razaq Salinsile and Adelowo Adebiyi.

    However, the ADC faced a setback when Adeoti left, citing dissatisfaction with the group’s internal governance. He left after reports that Salam had been selected as the preferred candidate in a mini-election among the group’s leaders in Lagos, where he received 11 out of 15 votes.

    Adeoti’s exit could weaken the ADC due to his political influence and past support for Aregbesola’s victories. Still, Salam became the party’s governorship candidate.

    PDP as a potential game-changer:

    Even after Adeleke left, the PDP chose Adebayo Adedamola, an ally of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, as its governorship candidate. If INEC accepts this nomination, the PDP could split votes that might have gone to Adeleke, making the race more complicated.

  • Accord unveils Kogi Governorship Election Campaign Council

    Accord unveils Kogi Governorship Election Campaign Council

    Ahead of  November 11 Governorship election, Kogi State chapter  of  Accord party has  named  members of  its campaign council.

    The unveiling of the Jibrin/Olamife Campaign Council sets the stage for the  commencement of campaign  for the party’s   candidate  Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman (rtd).

    According to a statement  by the Secretary of the Campaign Council, Alhaji Abu Fab Zakari, the council tagged: “Jibrin/Olamife Governorship Campaign Council” with the theme: “Council of Victory for the Masses,” has Senator Nicholas Yahaya Ugbane  as Chairman.

    Joining Ugbane are  Sen. Abubakar Abdularahman as Alternate Chairman and Alhaji Abu Fab Zakari as Secretary of the Campaign Council.

    Read Also: Kogi Accord candidate mourns Ohinoyi of Ebiraland

    The council also  has Prof  Daniel Isah  as  Director General,  Yakubu Ogwu Daniel,  Deputy Director General for Kogi East  and  Fadile Kabiru, a lawyer  is  Deputy Director General for Kogi West. Additionally, the council includes representatives for various federal constituencies such as  Hassan Omala, Positive Ihiabe,  Umane Okeme, and  Aka’aba Ibrahim, emphasizing a wide-ranging regional focus.

    Women leaders like Princess Vera Otini Atodo, Josephine Ayeh Joseph, and Lami Ahmodu form an integral part of the council. The youth segment is represented by  Husseini  Idris, Comrade Ahmed Ibrahim Dangana  and Comrade Honorius Aromeh.

    Protocol, media, strategy and welfare are entrusted to Emmanuel Ekele, Christopher Sunday, Goodman Akuh, and Samuel Danjuma. Complementing the team are individuals handling digital media, special duties, and contact and mobilization, including Emmanuel Iyede, Amb. Muhammed Jibrin, and Emmanuel Omebije.

    Alhaji Abu Fab Zakari, serving as the Secretary of the Campaign Council, emphasized the significance of each individual’s role within the council, urging a dedicated and responsible approach in fulfilling the task  at hand.

  • Kogi Accord candidate mourns Ohinoyi of Ebiraland

    Kogi Accord candidate mourns Ohinoyi of Ebiraland

    The candidate of Accord in the forthcoming Kogi State governorship election, Vice Admiral (rtd) Jibrin Usman, has described the passing of the Vice Chairman of Kogi Traditional Council and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland Dr Ado Ibrahim, as “sad and painful” occurrence.

     Jibrin, who made said this yesterday in a statement by his Youths Spokesperson, Comrade Samuel Danjuma, noted that he had a good relationship with the 94-year-old paramount king of Ebiraland who passed on in the early hours of yesterday in Abuja while undergoing treatment for an age-related illness.

    The former Naval boss said  he received the news of the death of the king with shock and sadness, but prayed that God grants the deceased eternal rest.

     While sympathising with the bereaved family, Ebira land and the people of Kogi,  the Accord flagbearer said: “Our hearts ache, and we share in the collective grief of our beloved Ebira people.”

    Read Also: Gbajabiamila chides critics, says president’s team not driven by money politics

    Danjuma also said the Youth Wing of Accord condoled the family of the late king and the Ebira people of the state.

    “We, the youth, stand in solemn solidarity with the Accord Governorship candidate, as he too grapples with the shock of this loss. In this trying time, we offer our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers for the repose of the soul of our departed leader, ‘’ he said.

    “We beseech the Almighty to grant strength and fortitude to the family, the good people of Ebira land, and our entire state as we navigate this painful chapter. Together, may we find the resilience to bear the weight of this great loss,” Danjuma said.

  • Why Accord will not accept outcome of elections, by chairman

    Chairman of Accord Party in Rivers State Dr. Nnanna Onyekwere has said his party will not accept results of the March 9 elections which were collated and announced on April 3 because they were the “product of militarised electoral processes, thuggery, compromised election umpire and a disenfranchised electorate”.

    Onyekwere added that the reasons also included impunity by highly-placed politicians, as exemplified by the “imposition of candidates and the primitive orchestration of crises in opponents’ camps”, acts he said were known to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), but tacitly encouraged by it.

    He said: “The Accord is a political party rooted in the ideology of peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians. The Rivers State governorship candidate of Accord, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, is acknowledged as a peaceful man whose life is guided by love for humanity and his avowed principle of ‘politics without bitterness’.

    “Ordinarily, our party’s people-oriented ideology and the exemplary personality traits of our governorship candidate behoves us to accept the results and congratulate the winners, once an electoral process is concluded. Unfortunately, the Rivers State Accord, in pursuance of the tenets of its ideology, is unable to accept the 2019 elections’ results as announced by INEC.

    “If we do not seek an end to these electoral and societal ills, and make the votes of Rivers people count in 2019, the perpetrators of the ignoble acts would get emboldened and 2023 elections shall be a full-scale war.

    “The Rivers State chapter of Accord, therefore, rejects the governorship results announced by INEC on April 3, and the national and state assembly results as announced, for the following reasons:

    “that whereas Accord in Rivers State duly conducted its governorship primaries through an election panel mandated by its National Working Committee (NWC) on October 4, 2018, in which Mr. Nelson Amieye was returned by way of consensus, and whereas Mr. Amieye voluntarily withdrew and was lawfully and duly substituted by Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, corrupt INEC officials contrived a report purporting to have supervised another primary on the same day, which produced Precious Baridoo, knowing full well that the party’s NWC did not invite INEC to such an event and venue.

    “that the contrived and unauthorised primaries allegedly supervised by INEC officials enabled Precious Baridoo and his sponsors to lay claim to the governorship ticket of Accord, thereby confusing the electorate and causing grave damage to the fortunes of the party in Rivers State.

    “that the INEC fact-finding committee set up after the suspension of the March 9 elections neither invited Accord nor acknowledged the party’s petition to the committee.

    “that despite publishing the name of Dumo Lulu-Briggs on its final list as the Rivers State governorship candidate, and having been duly served with the stay of execution granted by the Federal Appeal Court on March 22, against the High Court ruling that set aside Lulu-Briggs’ candidature, INEC did not allow his agents into the resumed collation of result on April 2, and did not mention his name on the final result as announced on April 3.

    “The Accord is a law abiding political party and its governorship candidate, Lulu-Briggs, is known for his peaceful disposition, a staunch believer in due process. We have, therefore, instructed our legal team to explore legitimate grounds on which our grievances can be redressed, with the intent to restore sanity in the Rivers State polity.”

  • ‘Accord still in Rivers governorship race’

    The Accord Party has dismissed reports of a High Court judgment barring the party from participating in the Rivers State governorship and House of Assembly elections.

    A statement by the National Chairman, Muhammad Nalado, lamented that political opponents were peddling propaganda that Accord party will not participate in the election.

    He described the report as falsehood, and assured supporters that the party is still in the contest, having mobilised voters for the election.

    According to him, the rumour is the machination of those who are afraid of losing power. He emphasised that the party’s candidate stands tall above every other contestant.

    According to Nalado, though the High Court in Rivers State has passed a judgment that the party’s candidate, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, is not the rightful candidate, the party has appealed the judgment already.

    He emphasised that Accord is still very much in the race for the governorship, and asked the people to vote for the party and its candidates in the elections.

  • ‘Why Buhari was re-elected’

    •Accord says Nigerians trust president

    The Accord has said hope and trust in progressive and sustainable development was the reason Nigerians re-elected President Muhammadu Buhari.

    National Chairman of Accord Muhammad Nalado, who spoke in a congratulatory message yesterday to the President, said it was a victory for democracy and Nigerians.

    Nalado contested the Katsina North senatorial election with Ahmed Baba-Kaita, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who won the election.

    He said the President, in his first tenure, manifested his capacity to drive the country on the part of economic growth and social security.

    Read also: Atiku’s agents plan Lagos takeover

    The party chairman observed that the nation would be moving through another phase of political and economic development, with his next level now assured.

    He urged Nigerians to support the President as he commenced another round of social and economic transformation of the country.

    Nalado emphasised that Accord played a significant role in ensuring the President’s victory, having adopted Buhari as its presidential candidate.

    He said the party would continue to join forces with him to ensure there was unity and stability in the country.

    The past chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) observed that under President Buhari, the railway system was being rehabilitated, while the decay in the road infrastructure was being addressed.

    He said agriculture had received a boost, adding that more Nigerians were now employed in the sector.

    The Accord chairman argued that under the presdident’s leadership, more social policies had been initiated to cater for the less privileged.

    Nalado, however, urged the President not to compromise on his stand against corruption, and enjoined him to go the whole hog to unveil more development policies to benefit more Nigerians.

  • Atiku signs peace accord, urges Buhari to sign Electoral bill

    Former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Electoral Amendment Bill into law if he is sincere about having a free, fair and credible 2019 general elections. 

    Abubakar expressed concern about the forthcoming election adding that the only way to ensure a free and fair polls is for government to be fair to all political parties and stakeholders involved. 

    He said spoke on Wednesday in Abuja after signing the Peace Accord by the National Peace Committee, chaired the by a former Military Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar. 

    Atiku promised to play by the rules and remain committed to a free, fair and credible election.

     “We are committed to a free, peaceful, fair and credible elections and we have always said that and we believe in that. I am a democrat. I was never converted. I fought the military to return this country to a democracy.

    “However the best way to guaranty peace in any election or any human interaction is to ensure manifest justice to all.

    “I am delighted that President Muhammadu Buhari have agreed to sign this peace accord. But we want to appeal to him to also sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. Mr. President needs to understand that as long as he refuses to sign this bill, we will have doubts that this government is thoroughly committed to free, fair and credible elections.”

    The peace accord document read by the Director of Kukah Center, Fr. Atta Barkindo, stipulates that political parties pledge to run issue-based campaigns at national, state and local government levels.

    ” In this, we pledge to refrain from campaigns that will involve religious incitement, ethnic or tribal profiling, both by ourselves and by all agents acting in their names; party, any public statements, pronouncements, declarations or speeches that have the capacity to incite any form of violence, before, during and after the elections.

    It reads in parts:”We, the undersigned Presidential candidates of the under-Iisted politica| parties for the forth-coming elections in February 2019 have attended a one-day Conference in Abuja under the auspices of the National Peace Committee, NPC. 

    “In the course of the Conference, we listened and discussed extensively on the need to ensure that we politicians create a favourable and conducive environment for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in 2019. Furthermore, we discussed the theme of Trust as a key ingredient in the conduct of our affairs. In the end, we have resolved to adopt the same principles that guided the very successful 2015 Elections and therefore commit ourselves to the following;

    “To commit ourselves and political parties to the monitoring of the adherence to this Accord by a National Peace Committee made up of respected statesmen and women, traditional and religious leaders; 

    “To support all institutions of government including INEC and the security agencies to act and be seen to act with impartiality; 

    “To forcefully and publicly speak out against provocative utterances and oppose all acts of electoral violence whether perpetuated by our supporters and/or opponents.”

    The Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Abdulsalami Abubakar apologised to Nigerians on behalf of the PDP for not being absent at the Tuesday’s signing with President Muhammadu Buhari emphasizing that everyone is committed to a peaceful election in 2019.

    The Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus also signed his part of the peace accord document.

  • We have pact with other parties, says Accord

    The Lagos State chapter of Accord Party (A) has said the party has a pact with other parties and endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    Its Chairman, Otunba Aderemi Fatukasi, addressed reporters in Ikeja, the state capital.

    He was reacting to reportd that Accord in Lagos and its candidates had not and would not endorse the APC candidate.

    Also, the party’s Secretary Lanre Ogundare said: “After the state congress was held in August, the state chairman was relieved of his appointment due to dereliction of duty, which paves the way for the present leadership of Otunba Fatukasi.

    “The high level of impunity brandished by the Abuja-based politicians of our party was not limited to filling candidates who are not members of the party, but also substituted genuine party members who participated in the last local government election.

    “In Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) under Kosofe Local Government Area, Accord has a serving councillor. Yet, the Abuja politician substituted the name presented by our structure with an aggrieved member; same fate befell our Agege, Surulere, Ikeja, Somolu and many other candidates.

    “We are, by this media briefing, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reject all the nominations of the candidates who did not participate in the party’s primaries. They are not members of Accord. We shall seek redress in the law court to interpolate the section of our constitution on who is a party member.”

     

     

     

  • We’ve no pact with other parties, says Accord

    The Lagos State chapter of Accord has denied having a pact with other parties to endorse the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr Babajide Sanwo-olu.

    State Chairman of the party Femi Ikuomola spoke to reporters shortly after a meeting of the State Working Committee in Lagos.

    A section of the media reported that 45 opposition parties, including the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Young Democratic Party (YDM), Accord, New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and Action People’s Party (APP), adopted Sanwo-olu for the 2019 polls.

    Ikuomola said: “It is of good note that no reasonable party in the interest of its candidates on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) provisional list should go out to negotiate the interest of its party in less than 105 days to the general election.

    ”The Accord Party in Lagos and its candidates have not, and would not endorse the APC candidate.

    ‘’The State Working Committee was in a meeting at our state secretariat, while this supposed arranged coalition was on at the Oranmiyan Hall of the Airport Hotel.

    ‘’Political negotiators and stooges that may be arranged to pose as being part of the Accord Party in the non-futuristic coalition should please be disregarded and the public should please see the Accord Party as an exemption to the coalition”.

  • Accord, MAJA, APA produce governorship candidates in Kwara

    In Ilorin, Kwara state based legal practitioner, Yahaya Kaale Saadu, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Mass Action Joint Alliance (MAJA) party.

    Alhaji Saadu was elected in Ilorin, the state capital, during the party’s primary and affirmation by delegates.

    Also, a businessman Kolawole Sarafadeen has got the governorship ticket of the Africa Peoples Alliance (APA).

    The Offa born-businessman turned politician, was chosen through consensus by delegates.

    Speaking after his election, Saadu promised to revive the lost glory of the state.

    He said: “I will focus attention on legal reforms, infrastructure and provision of graduate employment. Others are reviving the lost glory of the state going back to 1967 till date.

    “My administration we will revive the dead cooperative, gateway company,  Kwara furniture, Sugar Company Bacita, paper mill, Jenna,  textile, tate and line and many others.”

    Sarafadeen said “I hail from Offa,  Offa local government area of Kwara state. I am a businessman.  I did all my schooling in the state.

    “I was once a civil servant. That means I know the state inside out.  I know what is happening in the state.

    Ever since the commencement of this government, we noticed there has not been any positive change.  “There have been security challenges, poor educational system, poor infrastructure. The youths are disillusioned.

    “That is why  we out to correct these anomalies especially in my area. We lost a lot to the over five months old Offa bank robbery.