The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on Tuesday inaugurated the party’s National Campaign Council for the 15 August 2026, Osun State governorship election, declaring that the poll would mark the return of the state to the progressive fold.

Yilwatda charged members of the council to approach the assignment with unity, discipline and total commitment, stressing that the election was of strategic importance to the ruling party. He urged the council to embark on an issue-based campaign that would resonate with the aspirations of the people while avoiding distractions from the opposition.

The APC national chairman said the party had assembled an experienced team with proven political credentials to drive the campaign, expressing confidence that the council would mobilise effectively across the state and deliver victory. He also called on party leaders and supporters in Osun to remain united and work together to ensure success at the polls.

Speaking shortly after the inauguration, the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), declared that Osun State could no longer afford to remain outside the mainstream of progressive governance, insisting that the people were ready for a change of government.

He conveyed the appreciation of party members and supporters in Osun to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Prof. Yilwatda and the National Working Committee (NWC) for constituting what he described as a formidable National Campaign Council.

According to him, the announcement of the council had generated excitement across the state because of the calibre of political leaders selected for the assignment.

“Our leaders and supporters back home have asked me to specially convey their appreciation to the National Working Committee of our great party for leaving no stone unturned in our efforts towards the governorship election,” he said.

Oyebamiji said the APC had since his emergence as candidate taken its message of prosperity, good governance and the Renewed Hope Agenda to every corner of Osun State.

He noted that the campaign had reached the state’s three senatorial districts, nine federal constituencies, 26 state constituencies, 30 local government areas, 332 political wards and 3,762 polling units.

According to him, the party had engaged traditional rulers, market associations, private sector operators, artisans, professionals, students, women, youths and religious leaders in a bid to build a broad coalition ahead of the election.

He said the response from the electorate had been encouraging, adding that residents had consistently expressed their desire for a return to progressive governance.

“Across all these engagements, one message has been consistent and clear: the people of Osun State can no longer afford to endure another day of the current administration beyond November 27, 2026,” he said.

The APC candidate argued that Osun should not be left behind in the economic reforms and development initiatives being implemented by the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the state needed to align with ongoing national reforms to maximise development opportunities and improve the welfare of its people.

Oyebamiji also cited recent solidarity rallies by women and youths across the state as evidence of growing support for the APC, pointing to a peaceful walk in Osogbo led by former First Lady of Osun State, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola.

He added that similar demonstrations of support had been recorded in Ila, Iragbiji, Ikire, Ile-Ife, Iwo, Ilesa, Ede and several other communities.

“I am pleased and confident to report to you that the Osun State APC is ready to do everything lawful, legitimate and necessary to win back the governorship of the state and return it to the progressive fold,” he stated.

The governorship candidate assured members of the campaign council of the full cooperation of the Osun APC throughout the campaign, pledging loyalty to the party and its leadership.

He expressed confidence that with the support of party leaders and members, the APC would emerge victorious in the governorship election.

Responding on behalf of members of the campaign council, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma described the assignment as a solemn responsibility and pledged that the council would justify the confidence reposed in it by the party.

Uzodimma said the council would prosecute an issue-based campaign anchored on persuasion, peaceful engagement and grassroots mobilisation across the state.

He described Oyebamiji as a tested, competent and people-centred candidate whose vision was rooted in prudent leadership, inclusive prosperity and renewed confidence in government.

According to him, the campaign would also showcase the achievements of the APC-led Federal Government under President Tinubu and the performance of APC-controlled states as evidence of progressive governance.

He assured that the council would not be distracted by misinformation or political attacks but would remain focused on engaging voters with facts and performance.

“We will answer falsehood with facts, respond to insults with discipline, propaganda with performance and provocation with peace. Our campaign will be vigorous without violence, competitive without bitterness and confident without arrogance,” Uzodimma said.

The Imo governor reiterated the APC’s commitment to a peaceful, free and credible election, insisting that no political ambition was worth the blood of any Nigerian.

He urged party members to remain united and disciplined, expressing confidence that the APC would reclaim Osun State and return it to the progressive fold after the August governorship election.