2026: Group Pushes For Zoning Of APC Guber Ticket To Osun East

-Says Ife Land May Swing To PDP Again If Denied APC Ticket

A socio-political group, the Osun Alliance Network (OAN), has declared its position ahead of the 2026 governorship race in Osun State, calling for the governorship seat to return to Osun East Senatorial District in the spirit of fairness, justice, and equity.

In a statement released on Thursday, by its Cordinator, Chief Arinola Gbolagade, the group mphasized that Osun State is made up of three senatorial districts; East, Central, and West and that all three deserve equal opportunity to produce the state governor in a balanced and rotational structure.

According to the group, Osun East, which produced Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who served from 2010 to 2018, has patiently allowed other zones to lead. Following Aregbesola’s tenure, the governorship moved to Osun Central under Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola from 2018 to 2022, and is currently being held by Senator Ademola Adeleke from Osun West.

“The current political trajectory shows that each senatorial district has had its turn, but the principle of equity demands a return to Osun East in 2026,” the statement said. “This is not just a political calculation but a moral imperative to keep the state balanced and united.”

The group issued a strong advisory to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging them to adopt a strategic and logical approach ahead of the 2026 elections.

They warned that if Ife land, the political heart of Osun East, is denied the APC governorship ticket as was granted to Aregbesola in his time, the region, known for its massive voter strength, may decisively swing towards the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“Ife land has consistently delivered strong electoral numbers, and any perceived marginalization could result in a political backlash,” the statement warned. “This is why APC leaders must act wisely and avoid gifting the opposition a fertile ground due to avoidable internal exclusion.”

OAN further warned against any attempt to sideline any zone, stating that such tendencies could breed disenchantment and political instability. The group vowed to mobilize, sensitize, and align with all progressive forces to ensure that the next governor emerges from Osun East.

“We are not against any individual or group,” the statement clarified, “but we strongly believe that peace, stability, and inclusive governance in Osun State are best achieved through fairness and power rotation. Osun East deserves another chance to lead.”

The group concluded by calling on political stakeholders, parties, traditional rulers, and civil society groups to support this just cause for the future of Osun State.