The Forum of All Local Government Chairmen from the Osun West Senatorial District under the platform of the All Progressives Congress has called for the party’s governorship ticket for the 2026 elections to be zoned to their district, provided former governor Adegboyega Oyetola does not re-contest.
This demand was outlined in a communiqué issued after a meeting held in Iwo, Osun State, on Wednesday, attended by 41 former local government chairmen.
The communiqué, signed by Aderemi Abbas, former Chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, and 40 others, emphasised the need for justice and equity in zoning the governorship ticket.
The forum argued that Osun West is the most strategically positioned to secure victory for the APC in the next election, noting that the district has been historically disadvantaged in producing a governor since the state’s creation.
“Osun West remains the most suitable and best positioned to win the next governorship election for the APC. Since the creation of the state, our district has not been afforded equal opportunities as other senatorial districts to produce a governor,” they said in the communiqué.
The former chairmen pledged to work with other districts to present a credible candidate capable of defeating the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, in 2026.
They added, “The forum believes in the principle of ‘right of first refusal’ for former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. However, if he chooses not to contest, the party must ensure that the governorship ticket is zoned to Osun West in the interest of justice, fairness, and equity.”
Highlighting historical imbalances, the communiqué noted, “Osun East has had eight years in the governorship seat, while Osun Central has enjoyed over 15 years. In contrast, Osun West has only been privileged to hold the position for five years and six months. Zoning the ticket to Osun West is both justifiable and necessary to redress this inequity.”
Meanwhile, the leadership of the APC in Osun West has appealed to Chief Bisi Akande, the party’s pioneer National Chairman, to support their cause.
In a congratulatory message signed by the Osun West Senatorial District Chairman, Akintola Omolaoye, to mark Akande’s 86th birthday, the district leaders described him as a “repository of political wisdom” and urged him to champion their aspiration.
The message stated, “Your political experience is a pool of wisdom from which many have drawn inspiration since 1999. We trust in your commitment to fairness, justice, equity, and inclusivity, which are essential for sustaining democratic governance.”
The communiqué concluded with a plea for Akande to back their district if Oyetola decides against recontesting., Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has assured the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, John Mbata, of the support of the five governors of the South-East states.
Speaking at his Umuehim Nvosi country home in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area on Tuesday, Otti commended Mbata for his integrity, consistency, fairness, and transparency.
Addressing the gathering, Otti said, “Although the task ahead is not easy, I am confident you will succeed. The seven of us governors have no personal interests. Our focus is the development and unity of our people. If anyone asks you to deviate from this mission, they are out of line.
“This is a time for Ohanaeze to unite our people and provide the leadership needed to safeguard and promote our heritage.”
Otti, who said he had known Mbata for long, described him as a perfect choice to lead Ohanaeze, adding that he was delighted at Mbata’s emergence.
He said, “President-General, I have known you for decades. Just as you spoke kindly about me, I can vouch for you. I know your capacity and what you stand for—consistency, truthfulness, fairness, equity, and transparency.
“I was very pleased when you showed interest in this role. My colleagues and I agreed that someone like you deserves the opportunity, and we are confident you will excel.”
The governor highlighted his belief that leadership is fundamentally about the people’s welfare. He underscored his administration’s priorities, such as paying salaries promptly, improving road infrastructure, and extending development to rural areas.
Otti assured Mbata of the collective support of governors in the region, emphasising that their shared goal is to foster unity and progress among the Igbo people.
In his remarks, Mbata expressed gratitude to Otti and his fellow governors for their unwavering support, which he credited for his emergence as Ohanaeze President-General.
“Your presence on election day, January 10, underscored the importance you place on the Ohanaeze institution,” Mbata said. He assured the governor that the new Ohanaeze executive would collaborate with the governors to achieve shared goals.
“We will pay an official visit with the new executive team soon, but on a personal level, I felt it was important to express our gratitude and pledge our commitment to consultation, collaboration, and cooperation.
“We are eager to tap into your wealth of experience as a leader well-versed in both the private and public sectors. Your approach and perspective will be invaluable to our mission,” Mbata added.
He also commended Otti for the positive strides his administration has made in Abia, stating, “Having known you for a long time, I expected nothing less than excellence.”
