Osun needs clear direction as Oyinlola, PDP leaders, others back APC’s AMBO

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The governorship campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Osun State, Asiwaju Murinudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, has received a major boost with former Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) declaring support for his candidacy.

The endorsement, which cuts across party lines, came as Oyebamiji intensifies his engagement with political stakeholders, traditional rulers, youths, business groups and communities across the state ahead of the governorship election.

AMBO and Oyinlola

Declaring their support, Oyinlola said the decision was driven by the belief that Osun needed a clear direction at the present time.

“We believe at this particular moment that Osun State will have a clear direction. It’s on this note we declare our support for Bola Oyebamiji,” Oyinlola said.

Oyebamiji described the endorsement as more than political support, saying it reflected a shared conviction that Osun required a new direction founded on justice, fairness, inclusion and development.

“I am deeply honoured by the decision of members of the PDP in Osun State, led by former Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, to endorse my candidacy for Governor of Osun State,” he said.

He pledged to run an administration in which government would serve citizens irrespective of political affiliation, senatorial district, religion or community.

“Every citizen deserves to feel the impact of government and every part of Osun deserves a fair opportunity to grow,” he said.

Oyebamiji has anchored his campaign on a Prosperity Agenda focused on economic development, job creation, infrastructure, education, support for farmers and artisans, business development and accountable governance.

His experience as a former Commissioner for Finance in Osun State and former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority has also featured prominently in his campaign pitch.

On August 8, 2026, Oyebamiji took his campaign to the Ife Federal Constituency, where he engaged residents and stakeholders and reaffirmed his commitment to an inclusive and prosperous state.

He described Ife as central to Osun’s history, identity and economic future, saying the engagement reinforced his conviction that residents wanted a government that would listen, work and deliver.

“Our Prosperity Agenda for Osun is about creating opportunities for our young people, supporting farmers and artisans, strengthening education, empowering businesses and building an economy where every citizen can thrive,” he said.

The campaign also received a grassroots boost the same day when hundreds of motorcycle riders and APC supporters gathered at Osogbo Stadium for a Victory Ride for AMBO.

Oyebamiji said the enthusiasm displayed by the riders and supporters demonstrated growing confidence in his vision for the state.

He subsequently attended the inauguration and empowerment programme of the Tijaniyya Grassroots Mobilisation and Empowerment Initiatives of Nigeria (TIGMEN), Osun State Chapter, where he commended the organisation for its efforts to support vulnerable people and strengthen communities.

Oyebamiji also participated in the flag-off of the Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan and Osogbo–Akoda–Gbongan road projects in Osogbo alongside the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo; Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo; and Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi.

He described the projects as important infrastructure interventions that would improve connectivity and stimulate economic activity across Osun.

“These landmark infrastructure projects are testament to the commitment of the Renewed Hope Agenda to improving connectivity and accelerating development across our state,” Oyebamiji said.

The APC candidate has continued to position his campaign as a movement for inclusive governance and broad-based development, arguing that political affiliation should not determine access to government opportunities or infrastructure.

With the backing of Oyinlola and PDP stakeholders added to his expanding grassroots engagements, Oyebamiji is seeking to build a coalition that extends beyond the traditional APC constituency.

“The time for a new direction is now. Together, we will rebuild Osun and give our people the government they truly deserve,” he said.