The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, on Friday, formally presented the Certificate of Return to the party’s governorship candidate in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

The presentation ceremony was attended by top members of the National Working Committee (NWC), including the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; the National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman M. Argungu; and the Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, underscoring what the party described as “strong national backing for the Osun project.”

In his remarks, Prof. Yilwatda said the emergence of Oyebamiji by consensus represented a “powerful statement of unity, maturity, and internal cohesion” within the APC.

“The consensus outcome reflects the collective resolve of the party and the understanding that while leadership may rest on one shoulder, success is built through teamwork and inclusiveness,” he stated.

The APC chairman took a swipe at the current administration in Osun State, describing governance in the state over the past three years as being “more about optics and theatrics than tangible development.”

“Governance has often appeared as performance, with little evidence of concrete projects or enduring impact that the people can genuinely point to,” he said.

Yilwatda added that Osun people “deserve more than symbolism,” calling for visible development, functional infrastructure, and expanded economic opportunities.

“With the APC, Osun is set for a clear shift in direction,” he declared. “From the moment we secure victory at the polls next year, the state will begin to witness real, measurable progress, roads, schools, healthcare facilities, economic initiatives, and people-centred policies will take centre stage.”

He also highlighted the political importance of the state, reminding party members that Osun was the only South-West state President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lost in the last general election.

“This outcome must be reversed,” Yilwatda said, adding that the party is determined to “win decisively in Osun and deliver overwhelming support for President Tinubu in 2027.”

In his acceptance speech, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji expressed appreciation to the party leadership for the confidence reposed in him and promised to deliver victory for the APC.

“I assure the National Working Committee and our party faithful that we will record decisive victories in Osun in 2026 and 2027,” he said. “The people of Osun are ready. Governance is serious business, and Osun deserves a serious manager to drive its affairs.”

The event, according to the APC, signalled the formal kickoff of its campaign machinery ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election. (LEADERSHIP)

• L-R: Tajudeen Sooko, APC chairman in Osun; Bola Oyebamiji, governorship candidate of APC; Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of APC; and Ajibola Bashiru, national secretary of APC, during the presentation of the certificate of return to the party’s governorship candidate in Osun