Ogunbiyi emerges as APC’s unifying figure in Osun State ahead of 2026 governorship election, promising party cohesion and development-focused leadership.
As the 2026 Osun State gubernatorial election approaches, attention is turning to the unity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as party members prepare for primaries.
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Many members fear that internal divisions could undermine the party’s chances if not managed carefully.
Party officials note that the APC’s loss in 2022 was due largely to internal fractures, with splinter groups working against the interests of the party.
Chief Isiaka Oyetola, the immediate past governor, lost to Senator Ademola Adeleke despite incumbency advantages.
Party members insist that only a unifying candidate can prevent a repeat of that outcome in 2026.
Dr Akinade Ogunbiyi is widely regarded as that unifying candidate.
A successful businessman and grassroots politician, Ogunbiyi is renowned across Osun State for his philanthropic work and deep engagement with communities.
His appeal spans both grassroots constituents and party elites, making him a candidate capable of rallying all tendencies within the party.
Declaring his intention to contest, Ogunbiyi said, “I stand as a unifying factor among all the candidates, and I believe that by the special grace of God, if I emerge, they will rally round to support me and the progressives.”
When asked about potential defeat in the primaries, he affirmed that he would remain committed to the party’s broader goal of reclaiming the state.
Ogunbiyi’s professional record is notable.
He spent 28 years in banking, served as Managing Director of the Osun State Investment Company Limited, completed two terms as Commissioner for Finance, and most recently led the National Inland Waterways Authority.
He also built Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc from a small office into a multinational conglomerate with subsidiaries across Nigeria, Liberia, and Niger, employing over 5,000 people.
Beyond business, Ogunbiyi has contributed to social and economic development in Osun State for over two decades.
As Vice Chairman of the Osun Development Association for 18 years, he supported initiatives addressing community challenges and advancing education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
At the sub-regional level, Ogunbiyi’s company assisted in Liberia’s post-civil war economic recovery, revitalising sectors including transportation, mining, and governance.
“If I could do that for another country, why should I not do more for my state? For me, it is not about ambition but about vision,” he said.
Ogunbiyi emphasises agriculture, education, and healthcare as pillars of his platform.
He plans to mechanise farming, build silos for produce storage, improve educational standards, and provide free healthcare for children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
He also intends to retool the civil service to enhance productivity.
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Party stakeholders express confidence that Ogunbiyi’s widespread acceptance among APC members, his public popularity, and robust development agenda make him the strongest candidate for Osun’s governorship.
