Women Vanguard urges APC leaders to adopt a female running mate for the 2026 Osun election, citing voter strength, inclusion, and electoral advantage.
A prominent women’s political advocacy group, Women Vanguard, has intensified calls on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to adopt a more inclusive approach ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election by selecting a female running mate for the party’s candidate, Asiwaju Bola Munirudeen Oyebamiji (popularly known as AMBO).
The group made the appeal during its maiden meeting for the 2026 political season, held on Thursday in Ile-Ife, where members from across the state gathered to review the party’s prospects and discuss strategies capable of delivering electoral victory.
The outcome of the meeting was captured in a detailed communiqué jointly signed by the State Coordinator, Madam Kikelomo Elempe, and the Secretary, Omolara Adedayo.
According to the communiqué, the adoption of a woman as deputy governorship candidate is not merely a symbolic gesture but a strategic political decision that could significantly boost the APC’s chances in the highly competitive Osun 2026 election.
The group projected that women-led mobilisation alone could translate into over 300,000 additional votes for the party.
Women Vanguard praised the APC leadership for what it described as exemplary conduct during the party’s governorship primary, which produced Oyebamiji as the consensus candidate.
The group noted that the unity, discipline, and internal maturity displayed by party stakeholders during the process had restored confidence among grassroots supporters and women’s groups across the state.
Building on that momentum, the women urged party leaders to take the next decisive step by embracing gender inclusion through the nomination of a female running mate.
They argued that such a move would resonate strongly with female voters, youths, religious communities, and undecided electorates who are increasingly demanding fairness and representation in governance.
The communiqué emphasised the strategic importance of Osun East Senatorial District, describing it as a critical battleground that could determine the outcome of the election.
With a total of 689,708 registered voters, the district remains one of the largest voting blocs in the state.
The group highlighted Ile-Ife in particular, which accounts for 343,707 registered voters across four local government areas, making it the single most influential voting centre in Osun State.
Women Vanguard maintained that selecting a competent woman from Ile-Ife would give the APC a demographic and moral advantage.
The group unanimously recommended that a Christian female indigene of the ancient city, with proven political and administrative experience, should be considered for the role of deputy governor.
They stressed that the choice of a female running mate would help rebalance gender participation in Osun politics, which they said has remained skewed for years.
According to the group, women have been consistently underrepresented in governance structures, particularly under recent administrations where male deputy governors were repeatedly chosen.
The group also criticised the current political landscape in the state, noting that women have been largely sidelined in decision-making processes.
They pointed to the absence of female lawmakers in the Osun State House of Assembly and the limited number of women appointed to key cabinet positions as evidence of systemic exclusion.
Women Vanguard further disclosed that its membership base currently exceeds 50,000 women spread across the 30 local government areas of the state.
They expressed confidence that this figure would grow significantly if the APC demonstrates genuine commitment to inclusion by adopting a female running mate on the governorship ticket.
Beyond numbers, the group outlined the calibre of candidate it expects the party to present.
According to the communiqué, the ideal running mate must be a seasoned politician, an experienced administrator with a track record of service, and a grassroots mobiliser capable of connecting with ordinary citizens across religious, ethnic, and social divides.
The women also argued that empowering female leaders would energise ward-level campaigns, strengthen door-to-door mobilisation, and inspire first-time voters, particularly young women who often feel disconnected from mainstream politics.
Reiterating their confidence in the party’s prospects, the group insisted that a female running mate would not only broaden the APC’s appeal but also correct years of political imbalance, sending a strong message that the party is prepared to govern with fairness and inclusivity.
In a direct appeal, Women Vanguard called on key national and state leaders of the APC to support their position.
Those mentioned include President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola; former APC National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; the National Secretary of the party, Senator Ajibola Basiru; and the governorship candidate himself, Asiwaju Bola Munirudeen Oyebamiji.
The group concluded that the decision to field a female running mate would represent a turning point in Osun politics, positioning the APC as a progressive party that values competence, equity, and broad-based participation ahead of the 2026 polls.
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