Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Osun 2026: APC groups discuss zoning

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The zoning of the All Progressive Congress (APC) gubernatorial ticket to a particular senatorial district ahead of the 2026 elections in Osun State is causing shockwaves among party members as different groups within the political party do not agree. agreement on the matter.

The event that has now polarized party members has alienated them from themselves.

As Osun Independent Progressives Forum (OPIF), a group within the party urged the leaders of the party to launch gubernatorial candidacy, the party open to all candidates because, the future of APC and Osun State depends on selecting a candidate based on merit, not feelings

He added that what the party needs to win the 2026 elections is a candidate with a proven track record in leadership, vast experience in governance and the ability to connect with a wide range of voter groups.

At a press conference on Monday last week in Osogbo, the group's coordinator, Satiregun Olayiwola, said the issue of zoning should be ruled out when choosing a candidate for the party.

Olayiwola said the process of selecting a candidate as the flag bearer of the party must be inclusive, transparent and without favors or pressure from any quarter.

However, the Coalition of Osun APC Interest Groups (COAIG) vehemently attacked the OPIF stance and insisted on the zoning of the ticket to Osun West.

COAIG argued that zoning it west would bring new perspectives and address the district's unique development challenges.

The group, in a statement signed by its Director of Operations and Public Engagement, Iwolode Samuel, COAIG acknowledged OPIF's contributions to the party but rejected its perspective on zoning.

According to him, “a leader emerging from Osun West could bring innovative solutions and align the development goals of the entire district with our broader state objectives,” Samuel explained.

While acknowledging the contributions of candidates from other districts, particularly Osun Central, COAIG insisted that the zoning call is aimed at promoting diversity and fostering a governance structure that reflects the unique composition of the state.

“This is not about discrediting others but about promoting diversity and ensuring governance that reflects the rich diversity of the state,” Samuel added.

The coalition emphasized the need to focus on district representation rather than individual aspirations. He noted that this approach would allow multiple qualified candidates from Osun West to compete, fostering healthy internal democracy.

“By focusing on a district rather than an individual, we ensure internal democracy in which candidates are chosen based on their abilities to lead and transform the state,” the statement said.

COAIG further described zoning as a tool for equitable representation and a means to correct historical imbalances. “The Osun West zoning is a bold step to ensure democracy works for everyone, not just a select few,” Samuel said.

The group invited OPIF and other stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to build consensus on zoning.

“We invite dialogue and continued discussions on how zoning can be effectively implemented to serve the best interests of Osun as a whole. “Together we can prioritize unity and collective progress over division,” he said.

COAIG reaffirmed its dedication to a governance structure that reflects the diversity of Osun State.

He said: “Our vision is to chart a course for sustained development that transcends political divides and captures the aspirations of every citizen of Osun.

“The coalition's stance on the zoning of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidacy for the 2026 Osun elections is not driven by personal interests.

“His position is based on justice, equity and balanced representation in all senatorial districts in Osun and his stance is different from those who condemn zoning to pursue the interest of an individual, rather than the interest of the party.

“Our agitation does not revolve around a personality like the agenda of our OPIF brothers. “We are projecting an aspiration that considers the benefit of the majority above the comfort of an individual.”

The group emphasized that its advocacy is focused on ensuring that the Osun West Senatorial District receives equitable representation, pointing out the historical imbalance in governance functions within the state.

“Osun West has long been marginalized in the governance narrative of our state. Our call to split the APC governorship ticket in Osun West is not just a matter of local pride but a commitment to justice and equitable development for all parts of the state,” the statement read.

COAIG noted that leadership has more to do with collective progress than individual ambition.

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