The immediate past governor of Osun State and currently the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has declared that he is not interested in contesting the 2026 governorship election in the state, reports thegazellenews.com..
Oyetola made this declaration during an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting held in Osogbo, Osun State capital over the weekend..
Thegazellenews.com recalled that there had been widespread speculation suggesting Oyetola might consider another attempt at the governorship seat, but his announcement has now laid such rumours to rest
Oyetola’s declaration is coming after Muniru Raji, Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke, declared that Oyetola would be defeated if he is fielded as the APC candidate in 2026.
Raji, in a podcast on Thursday, 24 July, 2025 had declared that Oyetola is the easiest candidate to defeat and boasted that he will be defeated again if the Osun APC fields him as their gubernatorial candidate.
But Oyetola has put the speculation to rest while speaking at the gathering which was attended by five APC governorship aspirants.
Oyetola stated, “We have qualified, competent, and people of outstanding track records as aspirants contesting for the governorship election, and this is a unique selling proposition to feast on.”
In the meeting co-led by Oyetola, the Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal; and the Chairman of the Elders’ Caucus, Sola Akinwumi; the Minister hammered on the importance of party unity and returning the APC to power in 2026.
Oyetola also admonished aspirants and party members to avoid foul language during campaigns and work hard to ensure the party’s victory at the polls.
He urged party leaders to remain courageous and avoid statements that could foster internal division while pledging his continued support to the APC in Osun State.
Osun APC spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, also confirmed the Minister’s decision on Saturday, 26 July, 2025, saying, “The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Isiaq Gboyega Oyetola, told the meeting he was not interested in contesting in the next governorship election.”
“He also charged the aspirants to support anyone that emerges as our candidate. He called on them to work hard and promised to support the party to win the next election”.
The aspirants present at the meeting included Barrister Kunle Adegoke, Dotun Babayemi, Bola Oyebamiji, Senators Mudasiru Hussein and Babajide Omoworare.
