The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, has openly refuted circulating rumours suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, or other prominent figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) have secretly selected or endorsed a particular candidate for the 2026 governorship race in Osun State.
Speaking on Saturday during the latest leg of his ongoing state-wide consultations, which took him to Ifedayo and Odo-Otin Local Government Areas, Oyebamiji—one of the most visible and actively campaigning aspirants within the APC—said such speculation is baseless and misleading. He stressed that the contest for the party’s ticket remains open to all aspirants.
“Let me also tell you,” he remarked to an enthusiastic crowd, “that none of the aspirants has ever been anointed by either the President or the leadership of our party. We are all simply working hard to introduce ourselves, our capabilities, and our plans to the people of Osun State. The idea is to engage directly with the grassroots, to listen to their needs, and to earn their trust through personal interaction—not through political shortcuts.”
Oyebamiji described the reception he has received in different parts of the state as “fantastic” and “overwhelming,” noting that the warmth and enthusiasm of residents during his visits have further encouraged him to press forward with his ambition.
“The level of support across the state so far has been beyond my expectations,” he said. “It strengthens my belief that our message is resonating and that Osun people are ready for a new chapter of development and inclusive governance.”
During the consultation in Ifedayo Local Government Area, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) for the reinstated local government chairmen, Abiodun Idowu, publicly pledged the support of his local council for Oyebamiji’s bid.
“Ifedayo is solidly behind him,” Idowu declared. “We are confident he has the capacity, the vision, and the integrity to lead Osun State to greater heights, and we will work to ensure he secures the APC ticket.”
Similarly, in Odo-Otin Local Government Area, former Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, endorsed Oyebamiji as the preferred choice of the people in the council. She described him as a leader with proven competence and a strong track record, adding that residents have already rallied behind his candidacy.
As the 2026 election season begins to gather momentum, Oyebamiji’s remarks are seen as both a direct response to political speculation and an affirmation of his strategy to rely on grassroots mobilisation rather than perceived political endorsements. His campaign continues to build on personal engagement, community visits, and targeted consultations aimed at consolidating his influence ahead of the APC primaries.
