The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has confidently declared that he has no real competitor ahead of the August 8, 2026 governorship election, describing the contest as a “penalty kick already awarded” to his party.
Oyebamiji made the statement on Sunday in Osogbo during an interactive session with APC youths, organised by the office of the Osun APC Youth Leader. He urged young party members to intensify mobilisation efforts across the state as preparations for the election gather momentum.
According to the APC flagbearer, an internal analysis of the 2022 governorship election showed that youths played a decisive role in the party’s performance at the polls.
“We studied the 2022 election results and discovered that youths contributed about 210,000 votes out of the over 300,000 votes recorded by APC,” Oyebamiji said.
He described the youth population as critical to electoral success and promised targeted programmes designed to empower young people in the state.
“I have great respect for the youths of this state. We have a lot in stock for them, and by God’s grace, there will be well-structured programmes for our youths—starting now, not after we assume office,” he added.
Speaking partly in Yoruba, Oyebamiji dismissed the chances of the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, likening the forthcoming election to a penalty kick against a team without a goalkeeper.
“God has given us a penalty, and they have a goalpost without a goalkeeper. All we need is to work hard and coordinate ourselves properly to secure the victory waiting for us,” he said.
The APC candidate further charged party youths to return to their wards and begin door-to-door mobilisation, insisting that the party faces no serious opposition.
“I have no competitor. APC has no competitor. Go back to your wards and start house-to-house campaigns. We will provide the necessary resources. We are serious about this assignment,” Oyebamiji stated.
He also assured supporters of their safety throughout the campaign period, stressing that the 2026 election would be peaceful.
“Don’t be afraid. Nobody will harm you. This election will not be like those of the past. Our administration will be youth-driven, and we will ensure you get your dues,” he said.
Earlier, the Osun APC Youth Leader, Goke Akinwemimo, called on party members—especially youths who backed different aspirants during the primaries—to set aside differences and work together for victory.
“We must remain united, focused, and resilient. Politics comes with conflict, but how we manage it will determine our success and the future of Osun State,” Akinwemimo said.
Osun State is scheduled to hold its next governorship election on August 8, 2026. Governor Ademola Adeleke is expected to seek re-election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while other contenders, including Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), are also expected to join the race.
