Osun APC: Ayeni Defends Oyetola, Urges Party Members To Shun Blame Game After Election Loss

As the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to review the outcome of the just-concluded governorship election, former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Lawrence Babatunde Ayeni, has urged party members to avoid blame games, bitterness and divisive narratives capable of further weakening the party.

Ayeni, in a detailed submission on the state of the party, mounted a strong defence of former Osun State Governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, insisting that his contributions to the survival and rebuilding of the APC after the 2022 electoral defeat should not be ignored.

The former federal lawmaker said Oyetola’s role in keeping the party together, his record on workers’ welfare, efforts to attract federal appointments to Osun indigenes, commitment to the local government struggle and continued support for party members deserved recognition.

He also argued that the performance of the APC governorship candidate in the 2026 election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), should be assessed objectively, noting that the candidate recorded a significant increase in the party’s vote compared with its 2022 performance.

Ayeni said the post-election period should be used for sober reflection, reconciliation and rebuilding rather than internal recriminations.

OYETOLA AND THE 2022 DEFEAT

According to Ayeni, the APC faced one of its most difficult periods following its defeat in the 2022 governorship election, with several members allegedly distancing themselves from the party.

He said Oyetola, however, remained committed to the party and played a major role in keeping its structure alive.

“Rather than engage in constructive reflection and an honest assessment of the factors that shaped the outcome, some have resorted to circulating narratives designed to unfairly target and discredit the former Governor,” he said.

Ayeni added that Oyetola “chose a different path” after the 2022 defeat by committing his time, resources and energy to rebuilding the party.

“Having just lost the election, he rolled up his sleeves and committed himself to rebuilding and reorganising the party,” he stated.

“He remained accessible. He provided direction. He kept the party machinery functioning and encouraged members at a time when the future appeared uncertain.”

The former lawmaker described Oyetola’s leadership as one demonstrated through sacrifice, responsibility and commitment rather than merely by title.

“We regard him today as a leader, not merely by title; it is demonstrated through his presence, sacrifice, responsibility and commitment,” Ayeni said.

WORKERS’ WELFARE AND THE SALARY ISSUE

Ayeni also highlighted workers’ welfare as one of the areas where he believes Oyetola established a different standard of governance.

He recalled the period of salary arrears and partial salary payments during the administration of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, describing it as a difficult period for workers and their families.

According to him, the experience created a political burden that the APC has continued to carry.

“When Oyetola became Governor, however, he adopted a different approach. Under his administration, workers’ salaries were paid in full and promptly, despite the difficult financial circumstances he inherited,” he said.

Ayeni maintained that the issue should be acknowledged as part of the party’s political history rather than ignored.

“The half-salary era created a damaging precedent and left a political and social wound that the APC must honestly acknowledge,” he stated.

He, however, stressed that the party should learn from the experience rather than allow it to define its political future.

“The lesson is clear: the welfare of workers must never again become a casualty of political or administrative choices,” Ayeni said.

FEDERAL APPOINTMENTS FOR OSUN INDIGENES

The former lawmaker also defended the federal appointments involving Osun indigenes, urging critics to assess them from the perspective of the opportunities created for the state.

He argued that the appointees should be seen as sons and daughters of Osun, regardless of their local government areas, federal constituencies or senatorial districts.

“Rather than reducing these appointments to sectional calculations, we should recognise the efforts of the Honourable Minister in using his position and influence to attract opportunities for the people of Osun State,” he said.

Ayeni acknowledged that constructive criticism remained necessary within any political organisation but cautioned against using unsubstantiated allegations to discredit individuals.

“If anyone believes that a particular part of Osun has been deliberately excluded, the appropriate response is to present facts and engage the issue constructively, not to rely on insinuations or unfounded accusations,” he stated.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT STRUGGLE

On the controversial local government issue, Ayeni said Oyetola remained committed to the legal struggle and pursued the matter to its logical conclusion.

He said the former governor’s role in the matter deserved recognition, particularly because the legal victory created opportunities for APC members and others to benefit from local government administration.

“It is therefore difficult to understand why some of those who once hailed Oyetola as the ‘Messiah of APC Osun’ because of his role in the legal victory are now among those calling for his condemnation,” he said.

“What changed so drastically?”

Ayeni argued that political leaders should be assessed consistently, regardless of changing political circumstances.

“If his leadership was worthy of celebration then, it deserves a fair, objective and consistent assessment now,” he added.

AMBO’S 2026 PERFORMANCE

The former lawmaker also rejected attempts to portray APC governorship candidate Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji as a failure based solely on the outcome of the election.

Ayeni said AMBO polled 444,815 votes, describing the figure as one of the highest vote totals recorded by the APC in an Osun governorship election.

“With 444,815 votes, AMBO recorded one of the highest vote totals achieved by the APC in an Osun governorship election, representing an increase of more than 70,000 votes over the party’s 2022 performance,” he said.

According to him, the figure demonstrated electoral growth and should form part of any objective assessment of the election.

“That is evidence of significant electoral growth and should not be diminished,” Ayeni stated.

He described AMBO as a strong candidate whose campaign demonstrated determination, resilience and commitment to the party.

“AMBO gave the election his all. His performance should therefore be assessed objectively and fairly, rather than used as an excuse to malign individuals, settle personal scores or deepen divisions within the party,” he said.

OYETOLA’S SUPPORT FOR PARTY MEMBERS

Ayeni further defended Oyetola’s record of support for APC members, particularly in the areas of security and welfare.

He said the former governor had consistently demonstrated concern for the safety and wellbeing of party members and had taken steps to provide support whenever challenges arose.

“The Honourable Minister has never neglected the party at any time. He has consistently stood firm in protecting the security and interests of party members and the state,” Ayeni said.

On welfare, he added that Oyetola had continued to support party members, including through personal contributions and assistance during difficult periods.

“This is a clear demonstration of his loyalty to the party and his understanding that strong political leadership must also be reflected in the welfare of the people,” he stated.

‘LET US REBUILD THE PARTY’

Ayeni concluded by calling on APC members to put aside bitterness and focus on rebuilding the party ahead of future political contests.

“At this moment, what the Osun APC needs is not bitterness, blame or opportunistic narratives. What we need are responsible voices, genuine gratitude, honest reflection and constructive criticism,” he said.

He urged party members to learn from the election without rewriting history or diminishing the contributions of those who kept the party together during difficult periods.

“Political disagreements are inevitable. Differences of opinion are natural within any democratic organisation. But disagreements should never erase loyalty, sacrifice and service,” Ayeni stated.

He called for unity, discipline, mutual respect and collective responsibility in rebuilding the APC.

“Let us preserve the dignity of our leaders, acknowledge contributions where they are due, accept the lessons arising from our setbacks and work collectively towards rebuilding a stronger, more united and electorally formidable APC in Osun State,” he said.

Ayeni added that leadership should always be judged “with fairness, context and perspective,” insisting that the future of the APC in Osun could not be secured through blame and division.

“The APC in Osun belongs to all of us. Its future cannot be secured through blame, bitterness or division. It can only be secured through unity, discipline, sacrifice, mutual respect and a shared commitment to the people we seek to serve,” he concluded.

By: Hon. Lawrence Babatunde Ayeni, FMR, House of Representatives