Osun Tinubu-PCC Inauguration: Famurewa Challenges Aggrieved Leaders To Prove Electoral Strength

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Ajibola Famurewa, has challenged party leaders protesting the composition of the state Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) to demonstrate their electoral strength, arguing that their past performance raises questions about their ability to deliver votes.

Famurewa made the remarks while reacting to the controversy surrounding the inauguration of the council established to coordinate President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Western Spring Television, the former member of the House of Representatives said the absence of some party leaders from the inauguration should not distract members from the campaign’s objectives.

He argued that electoral performance, rather than political position or public criticism, should be the basis for assessing the influence of party leaders.

“Ironically, some of the people that are protesting, what is their relevance politically? Check their result in the last governorship election. Are they able to deliver? They couldn’t,” Famurewa said.

He acknowledged that the campaign council would prefer to have all party members involved but maintained that those unwilling to participate should not be allowed to derail its activities.

“As much as we want everyone to join us, whoever chooses not to join us, it’s not our problem,” he added.

The controversy followed the inauguration of the Osun State Presidential Campaign Council by Governor Ademola Adeleke in Osogbo on Thursday, an event attended by several prominent APC figures but boycotted by some party leaders.

Before the inauguration, Osun APC Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, had expressed concern over the process leading to the event, saying the party leadership was not adequately consulted on the composition of the council.

Lawal said the party learnt of the planned inauguration through a social media post by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, less than 12 hours before the event.

Although he criticised the manner in which the arrangement was communicated, the APC chairman maintained that the party was not opposed to efforts aimed at securing Tinubu’s re-election.

Among the prominent APC figures present at the inauguration were former Osun Governor and pioneer APC National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; and former National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

Former Osun Governor Gboyega Oyetola was, however, absent from the event.

The disagreement has highlighted differences within the Osun APC over the composition and coordination of the presidential campaign structure, with questions emerging over consultation, party cohesion and the role of state leadership in the re-election project.

With preparations for the 2027 general elections gathering momentum, the party’s ability to manage internal disagreements and mobilise its members could prove crucial to its electoral ambitions.