Benedict Alabi, former Deputy Governor of Osun State, has formally declared his intention to contest the governorship election in 2026 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He made his announcement in Osogbo, the state capital, emphasizing his experience as the deputy governor to Adegboyega Oyetola from 2018 to 2022 as a key qualification for the position. Alabi believes that his time in office has uniquely positioned him to understand the complexities of governance in Osun State and equipped him with the necessary skills to effectively manage the state’s resources and lead it towards progress. He urged the APC to consider his candidacy seriously, highlighting the need for a leader capable of navigating complex situations and effectively managing resources to steer the state towards development.
Alabi’s declaration enters him into a field of potential candidates vying for the APC gubernatorial ticket. The political landscape in Osun State has been somewhat dominated by the influence of the former Governor Oyetola, who currently serves as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. Oyetola’s influence within the party has led to speculation about his potential endorsement of a preferred candidate, particularly Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, who served as Oyetola’s Commissioner for Finance. This speculation has created an undercurrent of discussion within the political circles of the state. Alabi, however, directly addressed these rumors, dismissing them as mere street talk.
Alabi refuted the suggestions that Oyetola favors Oyebamiji, characterizing the connection between the two as a natural consequence of their previous working relationship. He pointed out that Oyebamiji’s close relationship with Oyetola stemmed from his role as Finance Commissioner, a position that necessitates frequent interaction and collaboration with the Governor. He stressed that this professional closeness should not be misconstrued as a formal endorsement. Alabi firmly stated his belief in Oyetola’s integrity and his commitment to fairness in the selection process, emphasizing Oyetola’s public declarations that he has no preferred candidate.
Further emphasizing his close relationship with Oyetola, Alabi presented himself as someone who understands the former governor’s character and trustworthiness. He reiterated Oyetola’s public statements disavowing any preferred candidate, expressing his confidence that Oyetola would maintain a neutral stance in the primaries. He underscored Oyetola’s reputation as a man of his word, assuring the public that the former governor’s declaration of neutrality should be taken at face value. This strong affirmation aimed to dispel any lingering doubts about potential favoritism and to reassure other aspirants of a level playing field.
Alabi’s declaration sets the stage for an interesting contest within the APC. He positions himself as a candidate who understands the intricacies of governance in Osun State, having served as deputy governor. He presents his experience as a valuable asset, arguing that it provides him with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively lead the state. By directly addressing the rumors surrounding Oyetola’s potential endorsement of another candidate, Alabi seeks to establish a narrative of fairness and transparency within the party’s selection process. He aims to project an image of himself as a candidate who respects the democratic process and trusts the judgment of the party members.
The unfolding political dynamics within the APC in Osun State will be closely watched as the 2026 governorship election approaches. The contest for the party’s ticket is likely to be competitive, with various aspirants vying for the coveted position. Alabi’s early declaration and direct address of the prevailing rumors represent a strategic move to position himself as a strong contender. The coming months will reveal how the political landscape evolves and which candidates emerge as frontrunners in the race for the APC ticket. The party’s internal dynamics and the choices made by its members will significantly influence the outcome of the primary elections and ultimately shape the future political landscape of Osun State.
