Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Primary Election Committee and Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has urged party stakeholders in Osun State to close ranks and work collectively toward reclaiming the state in the 2026 governorship election.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebojele Akhere Patrick, Okpebholo delivered the charge on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting of the APC at the party’s secretariat in Osogbo, ahead of Saturday’s governorship primary election.
Addressing party leaders, aspirants, and delegates, Okpebholo said the APC was at a critical juncture and must act with unity and purpose to return Osun State to the progressive fold.
“It is time to take what belongs to us back. If that is what we want, then tomorrow, by the grace of God, we shall have it,” he said.
“This gathering speaks of our collective resolve not only to strengthen internal democracy but to reclaim Osun State into the progressive fold and restore purposeful leadership to our people,” he added.
The meeting followed the recent defection of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party.
Okpebholo assured stakeholders that the governorship primary would be conducted transparently and fairly, explaining that the exercise would adopt an affirmation and consensus model. He disclosed that all 166 accredited delegates would undergo strict screening.
“No delegate will be allowed in without proper accreditation. We want every stakeholder to understand the process completely to ensure fairness and accountability,” he said.
He called on party leaders, aspirants, delegates, and supporters to cooperate fully with the election committee and officials handling the process.
“We must unite as one strong, indivisible family. The bigger task ahead is the 2026 governorship election, and unity is our strongest weapon,” Okpebholo stated.
He further stressed that reclaiming Osun State would require discipline, loyalty to party structures, and sustained internal cohesion, noting that unity would be decisive to the APC’s electoral success.
Earlier, the Deputy Chairman of the Election Committee and Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, emphasised that party supremacy must guide all actions throughout the primary process.
Stakeholders at the meeting echoed the call for unity, affirming their commitment to a common objective of returning Osun State to APC control and restoring progressive governance in 2026.
