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From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
A sociopolitical group, Osun Arise, has drummed support for the immediate past deputy governor of the state, Mr Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, saying he is the best to fly the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next year’s governorship election.
Describing the former deputy governor as the best among the aspirants jostling for the APC’s ticket, the group said the state would benefit immensely if he emerges the next governor of the state.
The group, in a statement by its state coordinator, Prince Adedayo Mukaila, said Alabi has garnered the necessary experience under the tutelage of the former governor of the state, Mr Gboyega Oyetola when he was the deputy governor, adding that the former deputy governor was ready to utilise his wealth of experience for the good of the state.
“The recent decision of our respected leader and former Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola to graciously withdraw from the 2026 gubernatorial race demonstrates his characteristic selflessness and commitment to the broader success of the All Progressives Congress. That singular decision marks such a pivotal moment for the APC in the state.
“It creates a healthy space for the party to unite behind a candidate who will not only secure victory but also faithfully continue the developmental trajectory already established. It presents a strategic opportunity for all true progressives within and outside the party to present a candidate who embodies the party’s legacy, possesses the requisite experience and can lead us to a resounding victory in 2026.
“That candidate is Mr Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Osun State, whose credentials, party loyalty and unifying presence make him the best consensus choice for the APC.
“For the Osun APC, embracing a consensus candidate like Alabi is not a sign of weakness but a strategic move to channel collective energy towards the goal of reclaiming the state from mediocre governance.
“Also, in the often-turbulent waters of politics, loyalty remains the currency of trust, the anchor that holds. Throughout his tenure and especially after the 2022 election, Alabi has exhibited an unmatched level of loyalty, not just to his principal, former Governor Oyetola, but to the APC and its leadership. After the 2022 election, while others scrambled for alternatives, sought personal comfort, or faded into the background, he remained on ground and remains a visible and active pillar of the party. “As we all know that the greatest threat to our victory in 2026 is internal discord. A fiercely contested primary has the potential to create fractures that our opponents will eagerly exploit.
A consensus built around his person would allow our party to conserve its resources and channel all its energy and resources into the campaign against the PDP, presenting a united front to the people of Osun State.
“The challenges we face demand a leader who understands the complexities of statecraft. Having served as the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Alabi possesses an intimate understanding of the mechanics of state governance,” the group added.
