By Our Correspondent
The ancient city of Osogbo on Thursday witnessed a major show of political strength as top leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, converged on the Osun State capital for the party’s mega campaign rally ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The high-powered mobilisation is coming on the final day of the official campaign period, as the APC intensifies efforts to secure victory for its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, in the keenly contested poll.
Akpabio and Uzodimma were joined by several APC governors and prominent party leaders who arrived in Osogbo amid heightened political activities across the state.
Among those who arrived for the rally were Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo and Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Other party chieftains and political stakeholders also made their way to the state capital for the event.
The presence of the party’s national leadership and serving governors is being viewed as a major demonstration of the APC’s determination to deliver its candidate at the August 15 election.
The rally is expected to bring together thousands of APC supporters, campaign coordinators, party members and stakeholders from across the state’s 30 local government areas.
For the APC, the gathering represents more than a campaign event. It is the party’s final major opportunity to energise its grassroots structures, rally supporters and make a last push for votes before the campaign window closes.
Oyebamiji, a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, emerged as the APC’s candidate after the party’s governorship primary in Osogbo. He has spent the campaign period canvassing support across the state and presenting his plans for the development of Osun.
With the election just days away, the APC has increasingly focused on consolidating its support base and translating its campaign structures into actual votes on election day.
The arrival of governors from different parts of the country also shows the level of attention the APC is giving to the Osun contest.
Party leaders have expressed confidence in Oyebamiji’s chances while urging APC supporters to remain united and turn out in large numbers to exercise their franchise.
Former Osun State Governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who remains a major figure within the APC in the state, also welcomed the party’s national leaders and governors to Osogbo.
The rally comes against the backdrop of a highly competitive election that has attracted considerable attention within and outside Osun State.
The August 15 poll is expected to determine who will occupy the Osun State Government House following a campaign season marked by intense political activities, strategic alliances and extensive grassroots mobilisation.
As the APC faithful gathered in Osogbo, party supporters waved flags, displayed campaign materials and cheered the arrival of their leaders, creating an atmosphere of heightened anticipation ahead of Saturday’s vote.
The party’s message at the final stage of the campaign has centred on unity, development and the need for voters to support its candidate at the ballot box.
However, with the campaign season now drawing to a close, attention will quickly shift from rallies and political speeches to the conduct of the election itself.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Saturday, August 15, 2026, for the Osun governorship election after the poll date was adjusted from August 8. The campaign period ends on Thursday.
The APC mega rally therefore serves as the party’s final major push before voters across Osun head to polling units to make their choice.
For Oyebamiji and the APC leadership, the immediate challenge is to convert the enthusiasm generated by the rally into votes across the state.
For the electorate, the days ahead will be crucial as political parties make their final appeals and voters weigh the candidates, their records and their promises.
With the major political players now making their final moves, Osun is set for a closely watched election that could have major implications for the political direction of the state.
All eyes are now on Saturday, when the people of Osun will have the final say at the ballot box.
