News
Osun 2026: Babayemi warns APC members against oppositions’ temptations
As the August 15 governorship election in Osun State draws near, the Osun West Director-General for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign, Dotun Babayemi, has cautioned residents of the state—particularly party members—to be vigilant and resist any form of inducement that could distract them from supporting the party at the polls.
Babayemi, widely recognised for his grassroots mobilisation efforts, also called on the party leadership to intensify campaign activities across the state to secure victory for the APC’s governorship candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
He gave the warning during a meeting of the umbrella body of his political group, the Ireti Osun Movement, which brought together stakeholders from the state’s 332 wards. The meeting was held in Osogbo.
Addressing participants, Babayemi said the party had reached a critical stage ahead of the election and urged members to remain cautious of what he described as deceptive overtures from opposition parties, particularly the ruling party in the state.
“We are now at a critical phase, and I want to sound a note of caution. We should be mindful of various deceitful overtures in the form of inducements from opposing parties, especially the ruling party in Osun. Because they know the game is up for them, they are moving around with tempting offers to mislead the people. Please be careful and do not allow yourselves to be trapped by any dubious gifts,” he warned.
The campaign director-general maintained that such overtures were largely opportunistic and driven by personal interests rather than genuine concern for the people. He urged party members to remain focused on securing victory for the APC in the August governorship election and supporting the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Babayemi further expressed confidence that the APC governorship candidate stood a better chance than other contenders seeking the state’s top office. He therefore urged party leaders to adopt a coordinated campaign strategy that would make the party’s electoral victory easier to achieve.
Reaffirming his stance, Babayemi stated that the Ireti Osun Movement remained firmly within the APC and fully aligned with the party’s decisions. He assured members that every effort would be made to ensure Oyebamiji emerges victorious in the forthcoming election.
He also revealed that he had been working quietly behind the scenes to strengthen the party’s chances of reclaiming power in the state.
Calling for patience and unwavering loyalty, Babayemi noted that not all expectations align with divine plans, but assured party members that their dedication and commitment would ultimately be rewarded.
He also encouraged members with political ambitions to remain committed to the party’s success, describing it as the most viable pathway to achieving their aspirations. He further urged members across the state’s zones to set aside their differences and unite in pursuit of victory at the polls.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the movement, Gbenga Adebusuyi, emphasised the need for unity and cooperation among party members to achieve the desired electoral success.
Other speakers at the gathering included a former commissioner in the state, Bode Olaonipekun, and Emmanuel Monyeh, who both underscored the importance of unity within the APC as the election approaches.