The internal crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has taken a new dimension as two governorship aspirants, Bola Oyebamiji and Ajibola Basiru, are reportedly courting former Governor Rauf Aregbesola ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.
According to credible sources, this strategic realignment appears to be a direct response to President Bola Tinubu's recent meeting with Governor Ademola Adeleke, his brother Deji Adeleke, and Afrobeat star Davido at the President's Bourdillon residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Political Fallout from Presidential Meeting
Insiders reveal that loyalists from both Oyebamiji and Basiru camps have expressed anger over the President's decision to host Governor Adeleke, with some accusing Tinubu of betrayal and threatening political consequences.
The presidential meeting has reportedly diminished hopes among some APC leaders of leveraging federal influence in the upcoming 2026 elections, prompting these new alliance-building efforts with the Aregbesola faction.
Timothy Owoeye, the immediate past Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, emphasized that the party's governorship ticket "was not for sale to anyone," adding that Governor Adeleke was not welcome in the Osun APC.
Strategic Realignments Underway
A source close to Bola Oyebamiji described the outreach to Aregbesola as a calculated move to counter the Adeleke family's political influence. "Our leaders are reaching out to Aregbesola. You just need to remember that Aregbesola was the original godfather of our Principal. Ambo has no personal issue with Aregbesola. So rapprochement is a path being pursued," the source disclosed.
However, it remains unclear whether Oyebamiji has secured the approval of Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, before initiating this new alliance with Aregbesola.
Similarly, reports indicate that Ajibola Basiru, the APC National Secretary, has been discreetly sending emissaries to Aregbesola, seeking reconciliation and support for his gubernatorial ambition.
"We are in touch with Aregbesola. There is no doubt about that. Both Basiru and Ogbeni are back in a political relationship. This is politics. No permanent enemy or friend," a close ally of Basiru confirmed.
Mutual Accusations
Interestingly, both camps have accused each other of engaging with Aregbesola, trading allegations of betrayal. The Oyebamiji camp claims Basiru has already sealed a deal with the former governor, while the Basiru faction makes similar accusations against Oyebamiji's group.
These developments reportedly have reached the Presidency, potentially fueling further resentment towards some APC leaders in Osun State, especially amid recent purported open attacks on President Tinubu by known APC figures in the state.
The unfolding situation highlights the complex political landscape in Osun as the 2026 gubernatorial election approaches, with factions within the APC seeking strategic advantages through new alliances.
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