The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, intensified political consultations at the weekend as part of preparations for the 2026 governorship election in the state.
A statement issued on Monday by the minister’s Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola, said the meetings were held at Oyetola’s country home in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area.
The engagements brought together party elders, serving and former members of the National Assembly, former members of the Osun State House of Assembly, support groups and other key stakeholders from across the state.
According to the statement, the consultations formed part of efforts by Oyetola to consolidate party unity and strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election.
Participants at the meetings pledged renewed commitment to the party and vowed to work collectively towards returning the APC to power in the state.
Addressing the gathering, Oyetola, the immediate past governor of Osun State, urged party leaders to close ranks and intensify mobilisation across communities and local government areas.
“The forthcoming election will be decisive and critical for the future of our party and the state,” he said. “This is the time for unity, loyalty and sustained engagement with the people at the grassroots.”
He also expressed confidence in the party’s governorship candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, describing him as a candidate with broad-based support across the state.
According to the minister, Oyebamiji possesses the leadership qualities required to deliver purposeful governance and steer Osun towards greater accountability, growth and development.
Oyetola further noted that preparations for the 2026 governorship election should align with the party’s broader strategy for the 2027 general elections, stressing that unity among stakeholders remains the APC’s greatest strength.
He commended party elders and loyal members for their continued dedication to the party and urged them to sustain efforts that promote peace, cooperation and political stability within their communities.
The minister emphasised that sustained grassroots mobilisation, loyalty to party ideals and collective responsibility would be crucial to the party’s electoral success.
Beyond the political consultations, the weekend also featured two major gatherings that attracted large crowds to Iragbiji.
On Friday, Oyetola hosted family members, associates, supporters and party faithful at special prayers marking the 15th anniversary of the passing of his mother, Alhaja Wulemot Arike Oyetola. The remembrance event drew dignitaries and well-wishers from within and outside the state.
Activities continued on Sunday with the Ileri Oluwa Annual Ramadan Lecture hosted by the minister. The event brought together religious leaders, community leaders, political associates and residents from various parts of Osun State and beyond.