Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has ruled out any intention of returning to the Osun governorship race in 2026, putting to rest months of speculation about a potential political comeback.
Speaking at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osogbo on Friday, Oyetola declared that he would not be seeking the party’s ticket for the August 7, 2026, poll, stressing that his focus was on helping the APC reclaim the state, rather than pursuing personal political ambitions.
The meeting, co-chaired by Oyetola, the state APC chairman Tajudeen Lawal, and the chairman of the party’s Elders’ Caucus, Sola Akinwumi, was attended by five aspirants currently in the running for the party’s nomination.
“We have qualified, competent, and people of outstanding track records as aspirants,” Oyetola said. “That alone is a strong selling point. Our collective task now is to restore the APC to power in Osun, and I am fully committed to supporting that cause.”
Confirming the minister’s decision, Osun APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi said on Saturday that Oyetola had made it clear he would not be contesting and had instead urged aspirants to conduct their campaigns with civility and mutual respect.
“He admonished them to avoid foul language and divisive rhetoric,” Olabisi said. “He also called on them to work hard, support whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer, and put the interest of the APC above personal ambition.”
The aspirants in attendance included Kunle Adegoke, Omooba Dotun Babayemi, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, Senator Mudasiru Hussein, and Senator Babajide Omoworare.
Oyetola, who governed the state from 2018 to 2022 before narrowly losing to the incumbent, Governor Ademola Adeleke of the PDP, remains a central figure in Osun’s APC machinery. His decision not to contest is expected to significantly shape the race by reducing internal tensions and paving the way for a more unified campaign front.
“I will continue to support the party in every possible way,” Oyetola said. “What matters now is victory for the APC in 2026.”
