By Peter Omopo
OSOGBO, July 27, 2025 — The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has announced that he will not contest the 2026 Osun State governorship election, putting to rest speculation about a possible political comeback.
Oyetola, who served as Governor of Osun State from 2018 to 2022, made the declaration on Friday during a high-level All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting held in Osogbo. The session was co-chaired by Oyetola, the Osun APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal, and Chairman of the Elders’ Caucus, Sola Akinwumi.
Amid growing speculation that he might rejoin the governorship race, Oyetola told party leaders that his focus was on ensuring APC’s victory in the August 7, 2026 gubernatorial election — not on seeking a return to office.
“We have qualified, competent aspirants with outstanding track records. That is our strength going into this election,” Oyetola said.
“I won’t be running. Instead, I will support the party and whoever emerges as our candidate.”
The meeting was attended by five notable aspirants: Mr. Kunle Adegoke, Omooba Dotun Babayemi, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, Senator Mudasiru Hussein, and Senator Babajide Omoworare.
Confirming Oyetola’s announcement, APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi said the former governor also urged the aspirants to shun divisive rhetoric, remain focused, and work collectively for the success of the party.
“He told the aspirants to rally behind whoever wins the ticket and cautioned against foul language or actions that may cause disunity,” Olabisi noted.
Oyetola also pledged his full support for the APC campaign, vowing to help mobilize resources and stakeholders to return the party to power in 2026.
