Bola Oyebamiji Tapped as APC Consensus Candidate for Osun Governorship Race
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially designated Bola Oyebamiji, former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), as its consensus candidate for the upcoming Osun State governorship election. This significant development occurred on Saturday at the Ebunoluwa Group of Schools premises in Osogbo, the state capital, marking a pivotal moment in the party’s preparations for the electoral contest.
The nomination process saw a strong display of party unity. The decision to endorse Oyebamiji as the sole candidate was initiated through a motion presented by two prominent governorship aspirants: Kunle Adegoke (SAN) and Senator Babajide Omoworare. Their joint motion underscored a collective agreement within the party hierarchy to rally behind Oyebamiji’s candidacy.
Following the motion, the Chairman of the APC governorship primary committee, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, called for a voice vote. The response from the party members in attendance was overwhelmingly affirmative, signaling widespread support for Oyebamiji’s nomination. Governor Okpebholo then formally declared, “By the power conferred on me, I present to you Bola Oyebamiji, as the governorship candidate of our party.”
Oyebamiji brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served as the Commissioner for Finance in Osun State under the administrations of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola. This background provides him with a deep understanding of the state’s financial landscape and governance structures.
In his acceptance speech, Oyebamiji expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the esteemed leaders of the APC for their unwavering support and confidence. He articulated a vision for Osun State that he believes positions it at a critical juncture, facing a choice between genuine progress and what he described as “frivolity,” and between accountability and “wastefulness.” Oyebamiji pledged that his administration, should he be elected, would be dedicated to rectifying the perceived shortcomings of the current government.
A Vision for Progress and Improved Welfare
Oyebamiji outlined a comprehensive agenda focused on enhancing the quality of life for all Osun residents. His core commitments include:
- Poverty Alleviation and Hunger Eradication: A primary objective is to implement robust strategies aimed at significantly reducing poverty and ensuring food security across the state.
- Functional Educational System: He emphasized the need to promote and strengthen a functional educational system accessible to every citizen, recognizing education as a cornerstone of societal development.
- Revitalizing the Healthcare Sector: Oyebamiji identified the state’s health system as currently “moribund” and expressed a strong intention to revitalize it. This initiative aims to improve healthcare services within Osun, thereby reducing the necessity for residents to seek medical treatment abroad.
- Prioritizing Citizen Welfare and Communal Peace: The candidate stressed that the welfare of the populace, alongside communal peace and progress, are paramount. He believes these elements are crucial for fostering an environment where opportunities can flourish and innovation can thrive.
“We are committed to elevating the standard of living for every Osun resident by alleviating poverty, eradicating hunger, and promoting a functional educational system for all. The health system in Osun State is currently moribund; we intend to revitalise it, thereby reducing the need for medical tourism. The welfare of the populace and communal peace and progress are paramount to our party, as they foster an environment where opportunity abounds and innovation flourishes,” Oyebamiji stated.
He extended a heartfelt invitation to all well-meaning citizens of Osun State and loyal party members to join him in this ambitious endeavor. “Consequently, I invite well-meaning citizens of Osun State and our party faithful to join us on the progressive journey to reposition our state for greater heights. The task before us is huge but achievable,” he concluded, underscoring his belief in the collective capacity to achieve the outlined goals.
The primary election event was graced by a distinguished assembly of party leaders and government officials, reflecting the significance of the occasion. Notable attendees included:
- Lagos State Deputy Governor, Hamzat Obafemi
- Nasarawa Governor, Abdulahi Sule
- Former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello
- Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola
- National Secretary of APC, Dr. Ajibola Basiru
The presence of these high-profile individuals underscored the national importance placed on the Osun State governorship election and the APC’s commitment to presenting a united front.