Osun 2026: ‘Osogbo Has Paid Its Dues’: Coalition Seeks APC Governorship Ticket for Indigene

By Tosin Olasunkanmi & Michael Ojo, Osogbo

A coalition of youth and women’s groups in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to give priority to aspirants from the town as the party continues its screening process for the 2026 governorship ticket, citing Osogbo’s electoral strength and longstanding marginalisation in state leadership.

Speaking at a press briefing held on Tuesday, November 25, at the Osogbo City Hall, Olonkoro, a legal practitioner Abdulrahman Okunade on behalf of the Coalition of Osogbo Youth and Women’s Groups, argued that fielding an Osogbo-born candidate would significantly boost the APC’s chances in the forthcoming governorship election and correct historical imbalances in the distribution of political power.

The briefing, which drew community leaders, youth groups and representatives of civic organisations, underscored Osogbo’s central role in Osun politics.

“Our demand is simple: Osogbo deserves to be considered for the governorship ticket, and the reasons extend beyond sentiment,” the coalition said.

Citing recent voter registration figures from the Independent National Electoral Commission, the groups noted that Osogbo and neighbouring Olorunda Local Government Areas together have at least 300,000 registered voters, representing about 15 per cent of the state’s 1,954,800 registered voters, with 360,794 Permanent Voter Cards yet to be collected.

This, they said, places Osogbo ahead of any other single town in the state and highlights its “disciplined and highly mobilisable electorate” known for shaping outcomes in closely contested elections.
The coalition also explained why its appeal is specifically directed at the APC.

“Of the three leading political parties in the state, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have already aligned their governorship tickets with the West Senatorial District,” the statement said. “Only the APC is still screening its aspirants.”

With Senator Ajibola Basiru, the APC’s National Secretary and an Osogbo indigene, having stepped down from the race, the coalition spotlighted the two remaining aspirants from the town: Kunle Rasheed Adegoke (K-RAD), a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and longstanding APC member who previously contested in 2018, and Professor Rafiu Durodoye, a U.S.-based mathematics scholar.

It said both men enjoy broad acceptance among traditional rulers, youth groups, business communities and civic organisations in Osogbo.

“If an Osogbo candidate is selected, grassroots networks, youth structures and community mobilisers are fully prepared to deliver,” the statement added.

The coalition urged the APC screening committee to engage directly with the aspirants and give genuine consideration to Osogbo’s electoral commitment.

The statement was jointly signed by eight organisations: the Osogbo Affairs Forum (OSAF), Osogbo Progressive Youth Movement (OPYM), Osogbo National Students Union, Ààrè Ò Pétà, Osogbo Peace and Unity Advocacy (OPUA), Osogbo Indigenous Sisters Association, The Great Osogbo Daughters and the Osogbo Development Action Group (ODAG).

Several speakers at the event reinforced the coalition’s position.

Lateef Abass stressed the historical backdrop, saying: “Now is the time for an Osogbo indigene to be governor of Osun State. We have made history before. Any other choice outside Osogbo will create another issue.”

Mrs. Wahab Afusa called for collective solidarity. “The people of Osogbo, our elders, youth and everyone, should come out and support ourselves. It is time for the Osogbo era,” she said.

Adeleke Idris, President of the Osogbo National Students Union, framed the demand as one rooted in fairness.

“Osogbo has been the state capital, and it is a city, not just a town. Smaller towns have produced governors already. Now we need an indigene of Osogbo as the next governor of Osun State,” he said.