A prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Osun State, Olasiji Olamiju, has issued a strong warning to gubernatorial aspirants against embracing 'do or die' politics as preparations intensify for the 2026 gubernatorial election in the state.
Olamiju, who previously served as Special Adviser on Public Health to former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, made this statement in a press release issued on Thursday in Osogbo, emphasizing the critical importance of sportsmanship and party cohesion.
"The large numbers of aspirants seeking the APC ticket is a testament to the party's strength and the people's desire for leadership in Osun," Olamiju stated. "I urge all the aspirants to prioritise party unity and support whoever emerges as the flag bearer with the ultimate goal to deliver Osun to President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election."
The APC chieftain further stressed that maintaining party unity and focusing on the bigger picture would position the party for victory in both the 2026 gubernatorial and 2027 presidential elections.
"What should be paramount to every dedicated member of the party now is how the party will win the coming elections in the state," he added.
Olamiju's call for unity comes amid growing agitations within the party, with some members advocating for the 2026 gubernatorial ticket to be zoned to Osun West Senatorial District.
However, this zoning proposal has faced opposition from APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, who is also an aspirant for the gubernatorial position. Basiru has publicly stated that zoning is not part of the APC constitution, creating tension within the party ranks.
Political analysts observe that the early jostling for positions within the APC reflects the high stakes of the upcoming election, as the party seeks to reclaim the governorship seat it lost in the last election.
As the political climate heats up in Osun State, Olamiju's call for unity and sportsmanship represents a significant attempt to maintain party cohesion ahead of what promises to be a keenly contested gubernatorial race.
