Bola Oyebamiji Clinches APC Governorship Ticket in Osun State
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially nominated Bola Oyebamiji, the former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), as its consensus candidate for the upcoming Osun State governorship election. This significant development occurred during the party’s primary election, solidifying Oyebamiji’s position as the flagbearer for the APC in the crucial gubernatorial contest.
The nomination process unfolded on Saturday at the Ebunoluwa Group of Schools in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State. The motion for Oyebamiji’s candidacy was jointly moved by two prominent governorship aspirants: Kunle Adegoke (SAN) and Senator Babajide Omoworare. Their proposal garnered widespread support, paving the way for the formal confirmation of Oyebamiji’s selection.
Presiding over the primary election was the Chairman of the APC governorship primary committee and Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo. Following the motion, Governor Okpebholo called for a voice vote, which was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from the assembled party members. The enthusiastic affirmation underscored the consensus built around Oyebamiji’s candidature.
Subsequently, Governor Okpebholo made the official declaration: “By the power conferred on me, I present to you Bola Oyebamiji, as the governorship candidate of our party.” This pronouncement marked the culmination of the primary election and officially positioned Oyebamiji to lead the APC’s campaign for the governorship.
A Glimpse into Oyebamiji’s Political Background
Bola Oyebamiji is no stranger to the political landscape of Osun State. He previously served as the Commissioner for Finance, a key role he held under the administrations of both Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola. This experience in fiscal management and governance is expected to be a significant asset as he prepares to lead the state. His tenure at NIWA further demonstrates his administrative capabilities and his engagement with national-level development initiatives.
Oyebamiji’s Vision for Osun State
In his acceptance speech, Oyebamiji expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the APC for their unwavering support. He articulated a clear vision for Osun State, characterizing the current political juncture as a critical crossroads between genuine progress and what he described as “frivolity,” and between “accountability and wastefulness.” He pledged that his administration, should he be elected, would be dedicated to rectifying the perceived shortcomings of the current government.
His core promises revolve around a multi-faceted approach to improving the lives of Osun residents:
- Poverty Alleviation and Hunger Eradication: Oyebamiji committed to implementing robust strategies aimed at lifting citizens out of poverty and ensuring food security across the state.
- Revitalizing the Educational System: He emphasized the importance of a functional and accessible educational system for all, signaling a commitment to enhancing learning opportunities and outcomes.
- Transforming Healthcare: Oyebamiji highlighted the current state of the health sector as “moribund” and expressed a strong intention to revitalize it. This initiative aims to improve healthcare services within the state and subsequently reduce the necessity for residents to seek medical treatment abroad.
- Prioritizing Welfare and Communal Harmony: The welfare of the populace, alongside the promotion of communal peace and progress, were declared paramount. Oyebamiji believes these elements are fundamental to fostering an environment conducive to opportunity and innovation.
He extended an invitation to all “well-meaning citizens of Osun State and our party faithful” to join him in this “progressive journey to reposition our state for greater heights.” While acknowledging the magnitude of the task ahead, Oyebamiji expressed confidence in its achievability, underscoring a determination to lead Osun towards a more prosperous future.
Key Dignitaries Present at the Primary
The APC governorship primary election in Osogbo was graced by the presence of several high-profile political figures, underscoring the importance of the event. Among those in attendance were:
- The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Hamzat Obafemi.
- The Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdulahi Sule.
- The former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
- The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
- The National Secretary of the APC, Dr. Ajibola Basiru.
The presence of these distinguished individuals signals strong party backing for Bola Oyebamiji’s candidacy and highlights the APC’s commitment to securing victory in the Osun State governorship election.
