No 2026 Comeback: Oyetola Rules Himself Out Of Osun Guber Contest

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and immediate past Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, has officially ruled himself out of the 2026 governorship race in the state, bringing an end to months of speculation about a possible political comeback.

Oyetola made the announcement on Saturday during a high-powered stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), held in Osogbo, the state capital. The closed-door meeting drew party stalwarts from across the state, including five declared governorship aspirants, and was jointly presided over by Oyetola, the Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, and Chairman of the party’s Elders’ Caucus, Sola Akinwumi.

Speaking candidly to party members, Oyetola said his decision not to recontest was born out of deep reflection and a commitment to the unity and success of the party, rather than personal ambition.

“In this race, we have competent, qualified, and credible aspirants with outstanding track records,” he said. “This is a major advantage we must harness. My commitment is to the success of our party and the continued development of Osun State. I will not be seeking the party’s governorship ticket, but I will give my full support to our aspirants and the eventual candidate.”

The former governor, who served from 2018 to 2022 before losing his re-election bid, emphasized that winning back the state for the APC in the 2026 election should be a collective mission. According to him, personal ambitions must take a backseat to the larger goal of returning the state to a path of focused leadership under the APC.

“Politics is not always about self. It is about the people. It is about the party. It is about legacy,” he added. “I have had my time. I have served with all I had, and I remain committed to the growth of Osun, whether I am in office or not. It is time to allow fresh energy while we all rally behind our flagbearer to reclaim Osun in 2026.”

Oyetola’s declaration is likely to have a significant impact on the political dynamics within the APC, clearing the field for new contenders and potentially reducing internal friction. His influence in the state remains strong, and his decision to serve as a unifying figure rather than a contender could help galvanize support around a consensus candidate.

Party Chairman Tajudeen Lawal, in his remarks at the meeting, praised Oyetola’s decision as “a mark of true statesmanship,” saying it would pave the way for strategic planning and foster unity among aspirants.

The five declared aspirants present at the meeting reportedly welcomed the development with measured optimism, acknowledging Oyetola’s influence and pledging to abide by the party’s eventual nomination process.

A senior APC member who attended the meeting but asked not to be named said, “This is big. Many people expected Oyetola to try again, but his stepping aside might actually bring the party closer together. It sends a message that the future of the APC is bigger than any one individual.”

With the 2026 governorship election scheduled for August 7, the Osun APC is expected to intensify internal consultations and strategic engagements over the coming months, as it positions itself to reclaim the state from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), currently led by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

As the political temperature begins to rise in Osun, Oyetola’s decision may yet prove to be a turning point — not just in terms of candidate selection, but in how the APC charts a path back to power in the state.