Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

As the call for the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State to zone its governorship ticket to the Osun-West senatorial district gains momentum, youths in the party have backed the call, citing concern for justice.

The youths, who converged at the party Secretariat in Iwo, demanded that if former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola is no longer contesting, the ticket should be ceded to Osun-West senatorial district.

Reading the resolutions after their meeting, the Osun West Senatorial Youth Leader, Comrade Imran Adekunle, acknowledged the high sense of commitment and dedication of the leadership of the party in the state in general and the district in particular imploring them to use the 2026 gubernatorial to correct the palpable imbalance in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice.

Adekunle said members of the APC in Osun West have demonstrated resilience, loyalty, and dedication to the progressive cause, adding that allowing the zone to produce candidates in the 2026 Osun gubernatorial election will strengthen the party’s chances of victory.

The resolution read in part, “We recognise and respect the political leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, in Osun State. As a former governor and a respected leader within our party, he retains the right of first refusal to contest the 2026 gubernatorial election. However, If he chooses not to contest, we firmly support the position of our leaders and stakeholders that Osun West should produce the next APC gubernatorial candidate.

“We stand in strong agreement with our leaders and stakeholders in Osun West Senatorial District that, upon Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola’s decision not to contest, the next APC gubernatorial flag bearer for the 2026 election should emerge from Osun West. This is based on the principles of equity, fairness, and political balance within the state.

“It is a well-documented fact that since the creation of Osun State in 1991, the progressive party has never produced a governor from Osun West. We believe that 2026 presents a historic opportunity to correct this imbalance and further strengthen the APC’s presence in the state.

“We urge the leadership of our great party, both at the state and national levels, to consider this resolution in the best interest of fairness, justice, and party stability. The APC members in Osun West have demonstrated resilience, loyalty, and dedication to the progressive cause, and we believe that allowing the zone to produce the next candidate will strengthen the party’s chances of victory”.