Business mogul and insurance executive, Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi, has declared his intention to contest the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The formal declaration was made on Thursday at the APC Party Secretariat in Osogbo, shortly after a closed-door meeting with key party stakeholders.
The event drew a large crowd of supporters, with over 1,000 APC members in attendance. Prominent among them were the Osun APC Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, and several decampees from rival parties.
A notable attendee was Alhaji Adeniran, a former PDP leader from Ede, who recently joined the APC.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ogunbiyi pledged full commitment to the APC’s internal democratic processes and expressed confidence in his prospects for clinching the party’s ticket.
He described himself as a unifying force within the APC and said the widespread support he enjoys across Osun State demonstrates his readiness for leadership.
Ogunbiyi noted that supporters had travelled from every local government area to witness his declaration, reflecting a broad base of goodwill.
He emphasized party unity, stating that he and other aspirants share a common goal of unseating the ruling PDP in the upcoming election. He urged all party members to rally behind whoever emerges as the APC candidate.
On speculations that Governor Ademola Adeleke might defect to the APC, Ogunbiyi said the party is open to new members, regardless of their political background, as long as they embrace the APC’s ideals.
He added that the APC remains attractive to many due to the performance of the Tinubu-led administration at the federal level.
Ogunbiyi encouraged eligible voters, especially new adults, to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the election.
He described the APC as a progressive platform with a clear vision and called on supporters to stay loyal, irrespective of the primaries’ outcome.
He also urged members to stand firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which he said is steering the country toward development.
According to Ogunbiyi, only through collective support and unity can the APC reclaim Osun and continue on the path of national progress.
His declaration marks a significant development in the lead-up to what promises to be a hotly contested 2026 governorship race in Osun State.
