Osun ready to move from dancing to working – Okpebholo

From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja

The Governor of Edo State and Chairman of the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election committee, Monday Okpebholo, has said that the state is now ready to move from dancing to working with the emergence of Bola Oyebamiji as the flagbearer of the party.

Speaking when he visited the national secretariat of the party to submit the report of the outcome of the primary election, he said that the August 2026 Osun State governorship election is an indication that the state is ready to move from dancing to working.

Receiving the report alongside the National Chairman were the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; the National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu; and the Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru.

The Osun primary marked a historic first for the party, being conducted by an unusually high-powered committee, underscoring the APC’s commitment to transparency, credibility, and internal democracy.

Okpebholo expressed appreciation to the party leadership for the confidence reposed in the committee, describing the assignment as a defining experience.

He said the committee witnessed overwhelming unity, enthusiasm, and popular support for the party’s candidate across Osun State.

“Osun people are eager for change. They are tired of motion without development. What we saw was a strong desire for real governance,” Governor Okpebholo stated.

Responding, the National Chairman, Professor Yilwatda, commended the committee for a job well executed, noting that the atmosphere during the primary was celebratory and peaceful. He assured that the report would be presented to the Party Caucus and the National Executive Committee (NEC) immediately.

“What you have submitted gives us something cheering to present to NEC. Your sacrifice, even at short notice, is deeply appreciated,” the National Chairman said.

“We have given red card to Adeleke,” Yilwatda added.

Professor Yilwatda further emphasised the strategic importance of Osun, calling for massive mobilisation to secure a decisive victory. He noted the cordial collaboration between APC governors and the party, stressing that such synergy would be key to reclaiming Osun State for the APC.

Former Governor of Kogi State and committee member, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, also praised the party leadership, describing the consensus process as instrumental to the committee’s success. He stressed that the Osun election, being the last major election before 2027, is critical to the party’s national momentum.

“The APC must go to the field and deliver Osun. My support for the party is total and unwavering,” he said.

On his part, the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, expressed confidence in the party’s victory, declaring that the current Osun administration has been given a “yellow card” and would receive a “red card” at the polls.

The committee’s secretary is Hon. Solomon Maren, while other members include the Governors of Ondo, Nasarawa, Delta, and Lagos States.