The Coalition of Osun APC Interest Groups (COAIG) has reaffirmed its position that the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket for the 2026 gubernatorial election should be zoned to Osun West Senatorial District.
The group made this known in response to a governorship aspirant’s argument that the ticket should be open to all zones, describing the stance as driven by selfish interests.
In a statement signed by its Director of Public Engagement and Operations, Samuel Iwolode, and released in Osogbo on Sunday, COAIG emphasized that its advocacy is aimed at preventing a repeat of the party’s challenges during the last gubernatorial election.
COAIG argued that zoning the ticket to Osun West is essential for equity and fairness, noting that since 1999, no candidate from the district has been chosen as the APC governorship flagbearer. Despite this, the district has remained steadfast in its support for the party.
“Our push for a gubernatorial candidate from Osun West—if former Governor Gboyega Oyetola does not contest again—is not rooted in division but in the principles of fairness, equity, and balance,” the statement read.
The group criticized individuals opposing the zoning arrangement, accusing them of prioritizing the political ambitions of the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, over the party’s collective interest.
It also highlighted how zoning has benefitted other party members, citing Basiru’s emergence as APC National Secretary without contesting an election. “Zoning reflects the party’s commitment to equitable leadership distribution. It is only fair that this principle is consistently applied, including in the gubernatorial primaries,” COAIG stated.
COAIG urged party members to learn from past electoral defeats, emphasizing that advocating for a candidate from Osun West is about fostering inclusivity and rejuvenating the party.
“Our call for leadership from Osun West is about strengthening the party through fairness and equal opportunities, not regional bias,” the group added.
It called on APC stakeholders to prioritize political balance and inclusivity as the party prepares for the 2026 elections, arguing that a united approach would increase its chances of success at the polls.
“The antagonists of Osun West’s advocacy should place the party’s interest above personal ambitions,” COAIG concluded.
