With the countdown to Osun State’s next governorship election already stirring political activity, attention is shifting to one group seen as capable of tipping the balance — young people.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) believes this demographic could once again be the deciding force, and its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, is making that message loud and clear.
Oyebamiji Tells Party Youths the Moment Is Theirs
Addressing party faithful during an interactive meeting in Osogbo, Oyebamiji urged young members of the APC to show stronger commitment and organisation ahead of the August 8 governorship poll.
The engagement was organised by the office of the Osun APC Youth Leader and focused squarely on strategy, unity, and mobilisation.
Speaking confidently, Oyebamiji likened the coming election to a “penalty kick” already awarded to the APC, suggesting that victory was within reach if party members, especially youths, played their roles effectively.
2022 Election Figures Put Youths in the Spotlight
Drawing lessons from the last governorship election, Oyebamiji revealed that internal analysis of the 2022 results showed just how influential young voters were.
According to him, out of the more than 300,000 votes secured by the APC at the time, about 210,000 came from youths.
He described this as proof that young people are not just supporters but the backbone of the party’s electoral strength in Osun State.
Promises of Early Youth-Focused Programmes
Beyond campaign talk, the APC candidate reassured youths that they would not be sidelined if elected.
He said plans were already being developed to introduce structured programmes designed specifically for young people — and not as an afterthought.
According to Oyebamiji, these initiatives would begin immediately and not wait until his administration formally takes office, stressing his respect for the state’s large youth population and their role in shaping Osun’s future.
Call for Grassroots Mobilisation Across Wards
As part of election preparations, Oyebamiji charged party youths to return to their wards and begin aggressive grassroots mobilisation.
He encouraged house-to-house and door-to-door engagement, insisting that the party would provide the resources needed to get the job done.
He also sought to calm fears around election security, assuring supporters that they would not be harmed and promising that the forthcoming poll would be different from previous experiences.
“This Will Be a Government of Youths”
Doubling down on his message, Oyebamiji told party members that the APC was fully committed to reclaiming power in Osun State.
He insisted that the party had no real competition and expressed confidence that victory was assured with discipline and coordination.
He pledged accountability to young supporters and promised that his administration would prioritise their welfare, saying clear arrangements would be made to ensure youths received their fair share in governance.
Youth Leader Urges Unity After Primaries
Earlier at the event, Osun APC Youth Leader, Goke Akinwemimo, appealed to party members — particularly youths who backed different aspirants during the primaries — to put internal differences aside.
He urged them to channel their energy toward the main election, emphasising that unity, focus, and resilience were essential if the APC hoped to succeed.
While acknowledging that conflict is a normal part of political growth, Akinwemimo stressed that managing disagreements wisely would determine the party’s chances.
The Broader Race Taking Shape
Osun State is set to hold its governorship election on August 8, 2026.
The incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, will be seeking a second term, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest.
Oyebamiji stands as the APC’s leading challenger, while former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam, flying the flag of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is also expected to play a significant role in the race.
What Happens Next?
As campaigns gather momentum, all eyes will be on how effectively political parties — especially the APC — translate youth enthusiasm into votes.
With mobilisation efforts about to intensify and alliances still forming, the coming months will reveal whether confidence on the campaign trail can be converted into electoral success at the ballot box.
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