Gboyega Oyetola Withdraws from 2026 Osun Governorship Race
In a significant political development, Gboyega Oyetola, the former governor of Osun State and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has announced his decision to withdraw from the 2026 Osun State governorship race. Oyetola, who served as governor from 2018 to 2022, made this announcement during a meeting with party leaders at the Tinubu/Shettima campaign house in Osogbo, the state capital, on Saturday, July 26.
Background and Context
Oyetola's tenure as governor ended in 2022 when he lost his re-election bid to Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Following his tenure, President Bola Tinubu appointed Oyetola as a minister, a role he currently holds. Despite his ministerial responsibilities, there had been speculation about his potential candidacy for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in the upcoming 2026 election.
Announcement and Reasoning
Addressing party leaders and members, Oyetola explained that he had decided to drop his governorship ambition to focus on ensuring the APC's victory in the 2026 election. He expressed confidence in the party's aspirants, stating that they were all competent and capable of leading the state. Oyetola emphasized the importance of unity and peaceful conduct among the aspirants, urging them to avoid campaigns of calumny and political acrimony.
Oyetola's decision underscores his commitment to the APC's success in Osun State. He vowed to explore all legitimate mechanisms to ensure that the APC regains power in the state, highlighting the party's strength and potential to defeat the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke.
Political Landscape and Future Prospects
The political landscape in Osun State is dynamic, with various APC bigwigs expressing interest in the party's governorship ticket. Oyetola's withdrawal from the race is expected to shape the party's primary elections and influence the strategies of other aspirants.
In addition to his focus on the Osun State election, Oyetola commented on the broader political scene, expressing confidence in President Bola Tinubu's prospects for the 2027 presidential election. He dismissed concerns about the coalition move against President Tinubu, asserting that it posed no significant threat to the president's re-election bid.
Governor Adeleke's Political Maneuvers
The announcement comes amid speculation about Governor Ademola Adeleke's political maneuvers. There have been rumors that Adeleke might consider defecting from the PDP to the APC to secure his re-election chances. This speculation is fueled by Adeleke's recent meeting with President Tinubu in Lagos and the defection of two of the three senators in the state from the PDP to the APC.
Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a former national secretary of the PDP and ex-governor of Osun State, has alleged that the APC is mounting pressure on Governor Adeleke to defect. Oyinlola suggested that Adeleke's reluctance to join the APC is due to the party's waning popularity in the state.
As the political landscape in Osun State continues to evolve, the focus remains on the upcoming governorship election and the strategies of the key players involved. Oyetola's decision to withdraw from the race and his commitment to the APC's success will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the 2026 election.
