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Tag: Oyebamiji

  • 2026: APC vows to reclaim Osun as Yilwatda presents CoR to Oyebamiji

    2026: APC vows to reclaim Osun as Yilwatda presents CoR to Oyebamiji

    Ahead of the August 2026 Osun State governorship election, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has declared that the party will stop at nothing to reclaim the state for the progressive family.

    Yilwatda made the declaration on Friday shortly after presenting the Certificate of Return (CoR) to the party’s governorship flag bearer, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, at the APC national secretariat in Abuja.

    Speaking to journalists after the presentation, the APC chairman assured Oyebamiji of the party’s full backing, pledging unwavering support to both the candidate and the people of Osun State until victory is secured at the polls next year.

    According to him, the party is prepared to stand with the people of Osun “neck to neck, leg to leg,” from now until election day, with the aim of achieving a decisive and convincing victory. He stressed that the goal is not just to win, but to do so beyond any reasonable doubt.

    Yilwatda added that the APC would mobilise all its resources, capacity, and strength to ensure success, noting that the party is returning to Osun State with renewed vigour to campaign and work tirelessly ahead of the election.

    He also commended the eight other governorship aspirants for embracing the consensus arrangement that produced Oyebamiji as the party’s sole candidate for the 2026 governorship contest.

    “We just minted a brand new candidate for the 2026 Osun state governorship election. It was by consensus, which is unique compared to all other political parties, where the nine candidates come together and pick one of them to represent them in the general election.

    “It shows the level of symbiosis and the good relationship between the aspirants, which we know the candidate is going to carry everybody along, not just in the primary election, but also in the general election, and also in governance.

    Read Also: Osun APC begins reconciliation drive after Oyebamiji’s emergence as guber candidate

    “So we are proud and happy to announce that Bola Oyebamiji will be the sole candidate of APC in that election.”

     Accompanied by the APC Osun State Chairman, Hon. Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, the party’s flag bearer, assured the people of the state of his readiness to take the mantle of leadership from the incumbent “dancing government” in the state

    “The business of governance is a serious business. And we have a lot of human assets. We have a lot of material assets in the state of Osun. And we need a serious manager to drive that asset. And that serious manager is Bola Oyebamiji.”

    He further said that with the party’s ticket, he was sure of victory both in 2026 and during the 2037 general elections.

    “Now that I have the ticket, we are going to carry that mandate come 2026 and 2027. We are going to deliver Osun. We are going to deliver to the president in that election,” Oyebamiji assured.

  • Osun 2026: APC candidate Oyebamiji pledges total Overhaul of health sector

    Osun 2026: APC candidate Oyebamiji pledges total Overhaul of health sector

    …as wife sworn in as president of women doctors 

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has declared his readiness to raise the standard of healthcare in Osun State through a total overhaul of the health sector if elected governor in 2026.

    Oyebamiji spoke with journalists on Thursday after his wife, Dr Sekinah Bola-Oyebamiji, was elected President of the Osun State chapter of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN). 

    He lamented the moribund state of health facilities across the state, describing the situation as a major setback to development.

    He assured that his administration would be committed to revamping critical sectors for public benefit, including health, education, infrastructure, commerce and agriculture.

    According to him, Osun State has remained stagnant due to prolonged neglect of key sectors, particularly the health sector, which he said requires urgent intervention.

    “It is on record that the health sector has become moribund in the state. None of the categories of the health system—primary, secondary or tertiary—is fully functional. Little or no effort has been made by the current administration to revive our health system,” Oyebamiji said.

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    He added that the state suffers from a shortage of qualified doctors, nurses and other medical professionals, noting that Osun currently has about 799 primary healthcare centres, 57 secondary health facilities, including general and specialist hospitals, and three tertiary institutions that require urgent attention.

    “These are some of the areas I will focus on to ensure quality and functional healthcare service delivery across all levels. When elected governor, I will declare a total overhaul of the health sector. We will prioritise the welfare and well-being of our people, knowing that health is wealth,” he said.

    Oyebamiji also congratulated his wife on her induction as the new MWAN president, describing her as a seasoned professional, a beacon of medical excellence, a strong pillar of the family and an inspiration to many.

    Earlier, in her acceptance speech, Dr Sekinah Bola-Oyebamiji said her tenure would be driven by inclusiveness, effective health advocacy and the delivery of physical projects aimed at improving the well-being of women and children across the state.

  • BABS congratulates Oyebamiji, Says APC flagbearer has capacity to govern Osun

    BABS congratulates Oyebamiji, Says APC flagbearer has capacity to govern Osun

    Bello Adegboyega Basheer (BABS), immediate past Managing Director of the Osun State Public Procurement Agency and a stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ifelodun, Boripe and Odo-Otin Federal Constituency, has congratulated Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji on his emergence as the APC candidate and flag bearer for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

    In a congratulatory statement made available to newsmen on Sunday, BABS described Oyebamiji as a steady and trusted hand at a time when Osun State is facing critical fiscal challenges, stressing the need for disciplined, transparent and sustainable leadership.

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    He said Oyebamiji’s tenure as former Commissioner for Finance in Osun State remains a benchmark for prudent public finance management. 

    According to him, during a period characterised by revenue shortfalls and heavy inherited debts, Oyebamiji played a key role in stabilising the state’s finances, reorganising the treasury, blocking leakages and institutionalising accountability.

    BABS recalled that under the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Osun maintained fiscal discipline, avoided fresh borrowing and ensured the regular payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, achievements he largely attributed to Oyebamiji’s technical competence and deep understanding of the state’s financial architecture.

    He also commended Oyebamiji’s performance at the national level as Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), noting that the agency recorded an unprecedented rise in internally generated revenue through strategic reforms and improved institutional efficiency.

    According to BABS, Osun’s current fiscal realities demand leaders with proven capacity rather than experimental governance, adding that Oyebamiji’s experience in managing the state’s finances under two administrations and successfully repositioning a federal agency uniquely qualifies him for higher responsibility.

    “Osun is at a defining moment, and history shows that in times of serious challenge, societies turn to tested and competent hands,” BABS said. “Bola Oyebamiji represents discipline over recklessness, competence over populism, and transparency over expediency.”

    He concluded by congratulating Oyebamiji on his emergence as the APC candidate for the 2026 governorship election, expressing confidence that his leadership qualities and financial expertise are critical assets for restoring stability, trust and sustainable development in Osun State.

  • JUST IN: Oyebamiji emerges as APC Osun governorship candidate

    JUST IN: Oyebamiji emerges as APC Osun governorship candidate

    The immediate past Chairman of the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for next year’s governorship election in Osun State.

    Oyebamiji was affirmed by all 1,660 delegates at the party’s primary after being nominated by Mr Kunle Adegoke, SAN, and seconded by Senator Babajide Omoworare.

    Following the nominations, the Chairman of the primary election committee, Governor Monday Okpebholo, called for a voice vote, which saw the delegates unanimously endorsed Oyebamiji.

    “By the power conferred on me as Chairman of the primary committee, I hereby declare Bola Oyebamiji, AMBO, as the candidate of our party,” Okpebholo announced.

    Details shortly…

  • JUST IN: Omisore embraces Oyebamiji as APC consensus candidate for Osun poll

    JUST IN: Omisore embraces Oyebamiji as APC consensus candidate for Osun poll

    Former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, has declared support for former National Inland Waterways Authority Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), who has emerged as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

    Omisore, who was among seven aspirants disqualified by the APC Screening Committee for alleged violations of party guidelines and electoral provisions, said he accepted the decision following President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement of Oyebamiji.

    The disqualified aspirants included former Deputy Governor Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Prince Dotun Babayemi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Kunle Adegoke (SAN), and Babatunde Haketer Oralusi.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Adeleke defects to Accord Party ahead of Osun 2026 guber primary

    After agitations from the aspirants over concerns that the process favoured Oyebamiji, President Tinubu convened a meeting where all other aspirants eventually aligned with his choice. Omisore, however, was absent.

    Speaking on TVC News during its programme Politics Tonight, Omisore said the party must follow the direction of its leader, adding that he supported the consensus arrangement.

    He stressed that he has no regrets about his past political decisions and described himself as “an old wine that tastes better,” noting that he has organic supporters behind him. 

    He added that although he advised the party leadership on alternative approaches, he is committed to working with the President’s decision.

    Omisore said he would formally brief his supporters on the new development and emphasised the need for the APC to overhaul its strategy ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election.

  • Osun 2026: Oyebamiji for screening Thursday

    Osun 2026: Oyebamiji for screening Thursday

    Ahead of the December 13 Osun State governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji will today appear before the party’s seven-man screening committee in Abuja.

    The screening, which started yesterday, had five of the nine aspirants appearing before the committee.

    Leading the pack, former deputy governor and ex-APC national secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, was screened yesterday by the Obinna Uzor-led seven-man Osun State Governorship Primary Election Screening Committee.

    Also interviewed were development financier, Babatunde Oralusi, former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oyedotun Babayemi, business magnate and insurance expert, Dr Akinade Ogunbiyi and former deputy governor of the state, Benedict Alabi.

    Those on the list for today’s exercise, in accordance with the schedule of screening of governorship aspirants as released by the party are former Managing Director of Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Oyebamiji, legal icon, Adegoke Adekunle (SAN), the only female aspirant and former lawmaker in Osun State House of Assembly, Dr. Mulikat Jimoh and the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental, Sen. Babajide Omoworare.

    The schedule of activities and timetable for Osun State governorship election released by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Arugungu, showed that screening of aspirants would be concluded today, while the party would publish the screening results tomorrow, ahead of December 6 screening appeal.

    The party’s shadow election is slated to hold on December 13.

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    Earlier yesterday before the commencement of the screening, the Deputy National Organising Secretary of the party, Nze Duru, inaugurated the seven-man Screening Committee and five-man Screening Appeal Committee.

    The Screening Committee had former senatorial aspirant (Anambra South Senatorial District) 2025 by-election  Obinna Uzor as Chairman. Raphael Igbokwe will serve as Secretary. Other members are Ifeoluwa Arowosoge, Chief Margaret Duru, Princess Farida Odangi and Ahmed Sani.

    The five-man Screening Appeal Committee is headed by Sen. Tolu Odeniyi, Smart Iheazor is secretary. Other members are Abdullahi Abdulkadir, Daniel Reyenieju and Halima Hayatu.

  • I’m aspirant to beat, says Oyebamiji

    I’m aspirant to beat, says Oyebamiji

    Foremost contender for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Osun State 2026 governorship election, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, has declared himself the “aspirant to beat”.

    Oyebamiji, popularly known as Ambo, spoke yesterday at the APC national secretariat in Abuja after submitting his nomination form for the December 13 primary election.

    Oyebamiji told reporters that his antecedents speak for him.

    “My antecedents are there. Everywhere I have served, I have delivered without blemish.”

    “My two years at NIWA were phenomenal — a record unmatched since the authority was created. With God, everywhere I step, I succeed. We are working hard, and we are going to deliver the goodies to the people of Osun State.” “Everybody is backing me. The Almighty God is backing me. APC members and credible citizens of Osun are backing me. I have the courage and modesty to tell you that I am an aspirant to beat,” he declared.

    Oyebamiji was commissioner for finance for eight years, spending four years in the Rauf Aregbesola Administration and four year with the Adegboyega Oyetola government.

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    The Ikire-born finance expert, was accompanied to the secretariat by political heavyweights in the state, such as two former Secretaries to the State Government — Kasim Adio and Prince Wole Oyebamiji; former Deputy Chief of Staff Prince Abdullahi Binuyo; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Protocol Ambassador Issah Adedotun Niniola; former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly Timothy Owoeye; Chairperson of the Federal Character Commission Alhaja Ayo Omidiran; and Nigeria’s first female Deputy Speaker Nike Omoworare.

    Speaking on his plans, he said: “We have a population of about five million, blessed with rich human assets and mineral deposits. To drive these resources effectively, the state needs a manager with focus, a track record, credibility, knowledge, and character. I am that manager.”

    When asked whether he could withstand fellow aspirants such as former APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Oyebamiji downplayed any notion of rivalry.

    “Distinguished Senator Omisore is an elder we honour. There are about 14 aspirants, all credible. This contest is a friendly match. Whoever the elders choose, we will support. We are brothers. Unity of the party is our watchword,” he stated.

    He added that the APC in Osun had not lost a single member in two years, insisting the steady growth of the party signaled organisation, cohesion, and readiness for victory.

    Pressed to identify the political camp backing him, Oyebamiji responded that his support base cuts across the APC structure.

    As the APC primary approaches, Oyebamiji positions himself as a technocrat-turned-politician ready to steer Osun “to the highest pedestal,” setting the stage for what promises to be a competitive and consequential governorship contest.

  • ‘I am the manager Osun state needs to flourish’, says Oyebamiji

    ‘I am the manager Osun state needs to flourish’, says Oyebamiji

    A leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State and immediate past Managing Director of the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, has declared that his integrity and competence place him far ahead of other contenders in the 2026 governorship race.

    Speaking on Monday after submitting his nomination and expression of interest forms at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, Oyebamiji, who arrived with a large crowd of supporters from the three senatorial districts, said he remains the aspirant to beat in both the party’s primary and the August 2026 election.

    Describing himself as the “manager,” Osun needs to restore its economic and social standing, the former Commissioner for Finance said the state’s vast human and natural resources require a leader with his level of capacity, intellect, and proven track record.

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    “Osun State is estimated to have a population of about five million. We are endowed with human assets and mineral resources. These are the tangible assets a state can have. We need a focused manager with antecedents, credibility, knowledge, and character—someone who can sign a signature,” he said.

    “I, Bola Oyebamiji, am the candidate and manager who can drive Osun State to the level of credibility where everyone can enjoy the dividends of democracy. I have done it before as Commissioner for Finance, working with two governors. I resigned as the MD of an investment arm of the government, and my records are there.”

    Touted as the favourite for the December 13 APC shadow election, Oyebamiji said he is confident because he enjoys the support of God and the people.

    “The Almighty God is backing me. Everybody here is backing me. APC members and credible people of Osun State are backing me. I have the courage and modesty to tell you I am the aspirant to beat,” he said.

    Dismissing suggestions of a crisis within the APC in Osun, Oyebamiji insisted the party is more united than ever.

    “In the last two years, we have not lost a single member to another party, and more than a million members have joined us. It shows character, unity, and organisation. It shows this is the party to beat,” he concluded.

  • Osun 2026: Oyebamiji’s ambition gets boost amid reported elders’ caucus endorsement

    Osun 2026: Oyebamiji’s ambition gets boost amid reported elders’ caucus endorsement

    • …Two aspirants have endorsed ex-NIWA boss—Party sources

    With just 15 days to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Osun State, the ambition of former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has reportedly received a major boost following an alleged endorsement by the party’s Elders’ Caucus.

    The Nation reports that the APC currently has the highest number of governorship aspirants in the state, with 12 party chieftains vying for the ticket.

    The Elders’ Caucus, chaired by Engr. Sola Akinwumi had earlier met with all aspirants twice and urged them to delay picking nomination forms pending the outcome of its assessment and recommendations.

    A source confirmed to The Nation that after its screening and mediation process, the caucus settled on Oyebamiji as the preferred aspirant.

    The source added, “We suggest that the party should make Oyebamiji its consensus candidate after our findings among the aspirants. He has connected with many of them, earned their support, and based on his capacity, he topped the ratings.”

    Efforts to reach the caucus chairman, Engr. Akinwumi was unsuccessful as calls and messages were not responded to.

    The caucus secretary, Hon. Gbenga Omolaoye, also declined to comment, insisting only the chairman could speak on the matter.

    A caucus member, Professor Rasak Abubakar, refrained from speaking for the group but expressed his personal view, saying he would be pleased if the party’s ticket went to Oyebamiji, whom he believes deserves it.

  • Tinubu salutes Oyebamiji at 60

    Tinubu salutes Oyebamiji at 60

    • ‘He’s a steady hand in financial, political landscape

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated seasoned banker, administrator and politician, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), on his 60th birthday.

    He described him as a steady and reliable figure in Nigeria’s financial and political spheres.

    In a statement on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised Oyebamiji, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Osun State, for his intellect, leadership qualities and integrity, noting that these attributes have significantly contributed to the development of Osun State and Nigeria.

    President Tinubu highlighted the celebrator’s distinguished career in the banking sector, where he earned a reputation for excellence, professionalism, and his exemplary service in public administration.

    Oyebamiji previously served as Finance Commissioner in Osun State and, until last week, as Chief Executive of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

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    According to the President, Oyebamiji’s public service record is defined by “humility, hard work, and commitment to the public good,” qualities that have made him a respected leader within the APC and beyond.

    “Oyebamiji is a loyal party man, a trusted associate, and a patriotic Nigerian whose exemplary work and ethics reflect the ideals of responsible leadership,” President Tinubu said.

    He prayed for God’s continued blessings on the celebrator, wishing him long life, renewed strength and greater service to the nation.