•Dismisses reports of candidate adoption by the APC
By Tunde Olamilekan
A former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Gboyega Alabi, has declared that he will be contesting the 2026 governorship election under the All Progressives Congress with the full blessing of his former principal, Mr Gboyega Oyetola.
Alabi served under Oyetola who is now the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
They lost their re-election bid to the incumbent Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in the July 16, 2022, election.
Addressing journalists at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on Monday, shortly after submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms, Alabi said he deliberately waited for Oyetola to publicly clarify his political direction before announcing his ambition.
“If you follow the trend of political activities, you will see that I came out last. The reason is simple: I waited for him. I waited for my boss to say he was not going before I stepped out. We had discussions and an understanding. He told me he would decide when to give the green light.
“Out of respect, I didn’t pressure him. Once I came out, I knew all these small masquerades would go in. So yes, I have the confidence and blessing of my immediate boss.”
Speaking further, Alabi said the report that the APC leadership in Osun had adopted a preferred candidate ahead of the party primaries was false.
“I stand here as a former Deputy Governor of Osun State and a deputy state leader by status. There is nothing like adoption,” he said.
“I am a member of the caucus of the party in Osun, and I expect media houses to be more diligent before publishing such claims. These are the kinds of things that cause rancour. If there was adoption, why would we be submitting forms?”
osun.life reports that the primary election of the APC is slated for December 13 with over 10 aspirants vying for the ticket of the party.
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