By Seyi Odewale
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has said the outcomes of the 2026 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states will serve as a major political test for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, said while speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo that the APC must secure victories in both states to strengthen its chances in the nationwide polls expected months later.
According to him, decisive wins in the two states would reinforce the party’s political dominance and boost President Bola Tinubu’s reelection prospects in 2027.
“The Ekiti and Osun governorship elections will serve as a litmus test for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections in the country,” he said.
“The two elections are very crucial for the party because they will take place just a few months before the general elections. The APC must win the two states.”
He added that victories in both states would energise the party and further consolidate its influence in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“Victories for the APC in the two states will boost the party’s confidence and solidify its supremacy in the political landscape of the country,” Oyintiloye stated.
Speaking specifically on Osun, the APC chieftain described the contest as particularly significant because the party intends to reclaim power from the incumbent administration.
He expressed confidence that the party would achieve victory through strategic coordination and unity among its leaders.
“We are confident of victory because the leaders of the party in the state — national leader, Chief Bisi Akande; the Osun leader and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; the National Secretary of the party, Sen. Ajibola Basiru; and the state chairman, Tajudeen Lawal — among others, are working tirelessly for the APC’s success,” he said.
Oyintiloye also expressed optimism about the party’s candidate, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, describing him as capable and widely acceptable within the party and across the state.
“The task has become easier with the choice of our candidate, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, who is capable, reliable, dependable and a promise keeper, and who enjoys broad acceptance among party members and the people of the state,” he added.
He, however, urged aggrieved party members to put aside their grievances and work collectively toward victory.
Oyintiloye stressed that unity and the commitment of all members would be critical to the APC’s success in the forthcoming polls.
“The contributions of every party member will be key to our success at the polls,” he said.
