Political stakeholder and public affairs commentator Faruq Olanrewaju Abbas, popularly known as FOA, has declared his support for Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, also known as AMBO, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the August 15 election.
In a statement released on Saturday, Abbas said his decision is driven by competence, character, and capacity rather than party loyalty.
The Ejigbo-born commentator recalled voting for Senator Ademola Adeleke in both the 2018 and 2022 governorship elections because he was the PDP candidate.
He noted, however, that he supported Dr Akin Ogunbiyi in the 2018 PDP primaries and Omo-Oba Dotun Babayemi in 2022, but fell in behind the party’s candidate when they did not emerge.
“I find myself in a familiar position within the APC,” Abbas said.
“I did not support Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji’s emergence as the APC’s Governorship Candidate because I was convinced that Omo-Oba Dotun Babayemi was better suited to face Senator Ademola Adeleke.
“However, after careful reflection, I am deeply convinced that Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji is more qualified and will do a significantly better job.”
Listing key reasons for his decision to vote for Oyebamiji, Abbas said, “He comes to this election with real leadership experience, having already built a respected banking career. A man who excelled in that environment has already demonstrated the discipline and competence required for good governance.
“Given his level of exposure and education, I believe he would surround himself with brilliant, competent professionals and young people who can contribute positively to our State’s development, rather than rewarding loyalty over ability.”
He added, “He can articulate his thoughts and plans clearly without needing a spokesperson or aide to represent him at intellectual gatherings or serious policy discussions. Too many of us have simply grown accustomed to a Governor who shows up regularly at social events to sing and dance rather than to lead.”
“Given his finance background, I believe he would manage our financial resources effectively and allocate our funds to sectors that would have a direct positive impact on the lives of Osun residents. While road construction is important, we need a Governor who will prioritise investing significant funds in human capital development, education, tech hubs, electricity, the judiciary, security, and innovative ideas that would attract more businesses to Osun State.
“With our Governor and President belonging to the same political party, Osun State would be better positioned to attract federal investment, infrastructure, and development programmes that could benefit its residents.”
Abbas said his voting history shows his willingness to back the candidate he believes in, even when it means going against the party leadership’s choice during primaries.
“On 15 August 2026, my conscience and my conviction point in the same direction. Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji has the character, competence and capacity to move Osun State forward. The people of Osun State deserve a Governor who will govern directly and not through proxies, and I believe he is that person,” he concluded.
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