The Coalition of Osogbo Youth and Women’s Groups has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to nominate an Osogbo-born aspirant for the 2026 governorship election, arguing that the state capital has proven its loyalty, voter strength, and organisational might over the years.
Mr Olusola Abass while addressing the gathering narated at Osogbo City Hall, Olonkoro, where various youth and women-led bodies united to present what they called a “data-driven, strategic argument” for why Osogbo deserves the party’s ticket as screening for aspirants intensifies.
While Delivering The Press Statement, Mr. Abdularahmon Okunade Esq, Backed by strong voter statistics, highlighted Osogbo’s electoral importance. They noted that with 1,954,800 registered voters statewide and more than 360,000 unclaimed PVCs, Osogbo and neighbouring Olorunda jointly boast about 300,000 registered voters amounting to 15 percent of the state’s voting population. “No other community comes close,” they said, insisting that an Osogbo candidate gives the APC a natural head start.
According to the coalition, grassroots mobilisation has already begun across the capital. Consultations with traditional rulers, community elders, youth groups, business associations, and civic organisations have created what they described as “an organised, united readiness” to deliver bloc support if the APC fields an Osogbo indigene.
With Senator Ajibola Basiru out of the race, two Osogbo-born contenders remain: Kunle Rasheed Adegoke (K-RAD), SAN, a long-term party loyalist who contested the 2018 ticket; and Professor Rafiu Durodoye, a US-based scholar with strong community links. Both, the coalition said, enjoy wide acceptance among Osogbo’s key power blocs.
They appealed to the APC screening committee to give “serious strategic consideration” to the two aspirants and factor in Osogbo’s massive mobilisation potential. “This is not just about inclusiveness, it is about winning,” the group stressed.
The coalition added that their appeal is directed specifically at the APC because the ADC and PDP have already zoned their tickets to Osun West, making the APC the only party where Osogbo candidates still stand a viable chance.
While Promising full collaboration, the groups said they are ready to partner with the APC to drive a robust, community backed campaign if an Osogbo candidate emerges. “Osogbo is not only a voting powerhouse but a key stakeholder in Osun’s development,” they declared.
The statement was endorsed by eight major youth and women organisations, including the Osogbo Affairs Forum, Osogbo Progressive Youth Movement, Osogbo National Students Union, and Osogbo Peace and Unity Advocacy.
