Skip to main content

Osun 2026: Ife-Ijesa Emerges as Battleground of Power Shift as APC Plots Comeback





The political landscape of Osun State is shifting rapidly as the All Progressives Congress (APC) intensifies its strategic build-up toward the 2026 governorship election.


In a dramatic show of strength and unity, APC leaders in Osun East Senatorial District on Monday held a high-level stakeholders' meeting in Ile-Ife with a resounding declaration that they are going to emerge victorious in the 2026 Governorship Election.

The meeting doubled as a formal reception for defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly loyalists of Hon. Oluwole Oke, the lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, who recently decamped to the APC.

The influx of Oke’s political allies, many of whom are grassroots mobilizers and respected figures in their communities, has added fresh momentum to the APC's resurgence.

Among the notable figures present at the crucial meeting are Otunba Ajibola Olujobi, Chief Dipo Omotoso, Hon. Omolebi-Sunday Segun, Mrs. Ropo Adejuwon, Mr. Felix Adeniran, Chief Aluko Olusesan, Prince Femi Sajuyigbe, Mr. Toyin Adesina, Mercy Ayodele, Karonwi Festus, Kola Owoeye, Kole Fagbemigun, Soji Odugbemi, Kola Ayodele, Mr. Kazeem, Mr. Wasiu, and Mr. Segun Adegbite.

Their defection is seen as a heavy blow to the PDP’s support base in Osun East.

Speaking at the gathering, former Deputy Governor of Osun State and APC chieftain, Senator Iyiola Omisore, stated that the Ife-Ijesa axis is now active and fully prepared to take the lead in winning back the governorship seat.

He emphasized that the meeting was not just ceremonial, but demonstrated a significant shift in political alliances with the aim of reinstating effective and meaningful governance in Osun.

Also addressing the crowd, former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye stated that the return of many influential figures to the APC shows that the electorate is prepared to abandon the PDP's leadership.

He affirmed that this trend clearly indicates a renewed movement toward progressive governance in Osun, adding that their confidence is not just based on hope, but on active mobilization efforts that will lead to victory.

APC leader in Ijesaland, Elder Kunle Odeyemi, stressed the importance of discipline, unity, and fairness within the party. 

He made it clear that internal factions must be eliminated, and urged members to concentrate on the primary objective which is winning Osun and ensuring the delivery of good governance.

A former Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly Matters, Senator Babajide Omoworare, highlighted that the continued defection from the PDP to the APC across the country, including in Osun East, signals that Nigerians are increasingly identifying with the APC's vision and developmental goals.

Omoworare, who is a top aspirant for the APC governorship ticket in 2026, encouraged members of the party to intensify their grassroots engagement. 

He assured that the party would support whichever candidate emerges victorious from the primaries.

As the political atmosphere heats up, it is becoming increasingly clear that Osun East especially the Ife-Ijesa axis will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the next governorship election.

With the APC consolidating its base and attracting former adversaries, the PDP may be heading into 2026 facing a fierce and determined opposition.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

BREAKING: Esa-Oke Youths Reunite as Survivors, Caution Pelumi against revisionism

....we’re not your campaign slogan Once upon a glorious, chaotic 2017, practically every able-bodied youth in Esa-Oke held honorary title in the land: Personal Assistant to Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi. No interviews. No pay. Just passion, blind loyalty, and the stamina to chase him from one campaign ground to the next like a political body double. From Comrade Mainframe to Comrade Swiss, from Yinka Oba to the humble football boys who carried cones like national flags, we were there. We were the movement. Until, of course. Now in 2025, Barrister Pelumi, clearly inspired by a Netflix political drama is on a media tour telling anyone who’ll listen that he "settled everyone who worked for him." Settled who, please? Maybe in his dreams or in the metaverse. In the real world, the story’s a bit different. Those of us from Obokun, who hustled day and night, got exactly zero: no thank you, no handshake. Take Sami, now a former Ward 7 councillor, no thanks from Pelumi. Folusho? Aregbe...

BREAKING: PDP Bleeds in Oriade: Commissioner Loses 14 Party Leaders to Wole Oke in Home Ward

In a significant political shift, 14 grassroots leaders, including prominent women and youth coordinators from Ward 11, covering Ijeda and Iloko in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, have resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and pledged allegiance to Hon. Wole Oke’s growing political camp in the All Progressives Congress (APC). The mass resignation, formalized in a jointly signed letter, marks a deepening crack within the PDP structure in Oriade, as key mobilizers abandon the party over what they describe as years of marginalization, poor internal democracy, and a lack of direction. Their defection is also seen as a major boost to Wole Oke’s political momentum within the APC, following his recent and controversial departure from the PDP. “We are grateful for the opportunities and experiences we had as PDP members,” the group stated, “but the party no longer reflects our values or aspirations. We believe in Hon. Wole Oke’s leadership and vision, and we are proud to...