A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has reaffirmed that President Bola Tinubu is behind Bola Oyebamiji, the party’s candidate in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

Oyintiloye spoke on Sunday in Ibokun, Obokun Local Government Area, while dismissing a report alleging that the President and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, had abandoned Oyebamiji.

Addressing journalists during a campaign tour of communities in Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, he described the report as false, and a handiwork of desperate opposition elements seeking to create division within the APC.

According to him, “President Tinubu and Oyetola remain fully committed to the party’s success in Osun and are closely monitoring the campaign while providing the political leadership and strategic support required for victory.

“President Tinubu and our leader, Oyetola, have never relented in their support for Oyebamiji.

“Anyone suggesting otherwise is spreading falsehood to mislead the public. The APC remains united, focused, and determined to reclaim Osun.”

The former lawmaker said the party’s leadership at the national and state levels were working hard to deliver Osun for APC, and urged members of the party not to be distracted by propaganda.

He added that prominent party leaders in the state, including Chief Bisi Akande, the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, and the state chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, among others, were also committed and working round the clock to ensure victory for the party.

He urged party faithful across the 30 local government areas and the Area Office to intensify grassroots mobilisation, engage voters and highlight the achievements of the Tinubu and Oyetola administrations alongside Oyebamiji’s development blueprint.

Oyintiloye also cautioned the opposition against violence, intimidation and other forms of lawlessness capable of undermining the electoral process.

“Maiming, extrajudicial killings and other forms of politically motivated violence aimed at creating fear and suppressing the will of the people must be firmly rejected,” he said.

He also stressed the need for an issue-based campaign anchored on credible ideas and practical solutions, insisting that voters should be allowed to exercise their rights freely in a peaceful atmosphere.

“The election will not be won only on social media. We must continue to engage our people at the grassroots, visiting every community, polling unit and household with our message of hope and responsible governance,” he said.

He urged party members to remain united and work collectively towards victory in the August 15 election adding that from all indications, Osun APC will return to power in the next governorship poll.

“The victory of Oyebamiji is a collective project. With the support of President Tinubu, the leadership of Oyetola, the commitment of party stakeholders and the support of the people of Osun, the APC is firmly on course for victory,” he said.

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has revealed the reason behind his decision to pick the leader of Kwankwassiyya Movement, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as his running mate.

In an interview with Sun, Obi said he decided to settle for the former governor of Kano State because “Kwankwaso has the philosophy of pulling people out of poverty”.

Obi said himself and Kwankwaso have similar philosophy on reviving the country’s economy to better the lives of citizens.

“I have the same philosophy. Kwankwaso believes in education. You cannot change society without education.

“If you look at my X, formerly Twitter, I made it clear that I will emphasise on education. Education is going to change society.

“Nigeria must be seen to form its innermost human capital, which we need to develop. Kwankwaso believes in this. I do. We have synergy.”

Obi also dismissed speculation suggesting that there is disagreement between him and Kwankwaso, stating that they remain united in strategizing ahead of the January 2027 elections.

Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has confirmed his deputy, Engr. Aminu Usman Gumel, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

The Governor’s announcement of Gumel has put to rest months of speculation over a possible change in the state’s APC ticket.

Speaking when he received a delegation from the Gumel Emirate at the Government House in Dutse, the governor said his decision was based on Gumel’s competence, professionalism, loyalty and significant contributions to the success of his administration.

He noted that the deputy governor had consistently demonstrated commitment to the government’s development agenda, making him deserving of another opportunity to serve with him.

The governor’s confirmation effectively dispels widespread political speculation that he might replace his deputy ahead of the 2027 elections. 

The rumours were partly fuelled by perceptions that Gumel is a close political associate of former Governor Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, who was not in the good book of the governor until a recent reconciliation. 

In his response, Gumel expressed profound appreciation to Governor Namadi and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the confidence reposed in him.

“I am aware that there are many people who are even more qualified than I am for this opportunity. However, in his wisdom, the Governor found me worthy of serving as his running mate. This is a great honour and favour,” he said.

He pledged to remain loyal and committed to supporting the governor in delivering on the administration’s developmental goals.

“I am deeply grateful to the Governor and the party’s stakeholders for this opportunity. I will continue to give my best to ensure the success of this administration and the continued state.”