Ahead of Saturday’s Governorship election primary, Chief (Dr.) Peter Taiwo Ogundeji – APATA, philanthropist and notable chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “a visionary leader, father and mentor whose leadership style continues to guide the next generation of political actors”
Speaking through his Media and Communications Office, following the President’s crucial intervention in the internal disagreements that emerged after the recent screening of governorship aspirants, Chief Ogundeji expressed profound appreciation for the peace and unity now restored within the Osun APC.
Chief Ogundeji noted that the tension generated by the screening outcome, which saw seven of the nine aspirants disqualified, had created palpable anxiety among party faithful and stakeholders across the State. “The disaffection was already becoming severe, and the unity of the party was under significant strain.”
However, he expressed joy that President Tinubu’s fatherly engagement with the aspirants at the Presidential Villa in Abuja successfully calmed tensions and produced a collective resolution to work together in the interest of the party.
“The President’s intervention doused the tension, restored confidence, and brought every stakeholder back under one united family. His leadership is unparalleled, and his commitment to party cohesion remains exemplary,” Ogundeji said.
He commended the eight aspirants who attended the meeting, including former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Benedict Alabi, Dotun Babayemi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Kunle Adegoke (SAN), Babatunde Hareter Oralusi, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Hon. Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, for their maturity and willingness to prioritise party unity over personal ambition.
Chief Ogundeji also commended the spirit of sportsmanship displayed by former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Chief Iyiola Omisore, who, although not physically present at the meeting with the President, later aligned himself with the peace process.
He described Chief Omisore as a large-hearted politician who consistently demonstrates his desire for peace, unity and stability within his political family, the APC.
Chief Ogundeji specifically praised the collective resolution of all aspirants to support Hon. Bola Oyebanji and Mrs Mulikat Abiola Jimoh, whom the screening process favoured, and to work as one body before, during, and after the primary.
Chief Ogundeji stressed that unity remains the bedrock of electoral victory, warning that the APC must avoid the internal divisions that contributed to its loss in the last Osun governorship election.
“A house divided against itself cannot stand. A party desirous of victory must first win peace within its own family. Primaries should be contests of ideas, not avenues for enmity” he said.
He appealed that:
The winner of the primary must extend a hand of fellowship to others.
Those who do not emerge must rally behind the candidate with courage and grace.
In the APC, “there should be no winner and no vanquished, but only brothers and sisters united on purpose
Chief Ogundeji commended President Tinubu for demonstrating once again that he is a stabilising force within the APC nationwide.
He also applauded the involvement of the APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma, Honourable Minister Adegboyega Oyetola and other national leaders who joined the peace-building process.
He pleaded with former Governor, Chief Bisi Akande to maintain his fatherly oversight as the party navigates this critical transition.
Chief Ogundeji welcomed the joint statement issued by the aspirants after meeting with the President, in which they unanimously:
1. Affirmed party supremacy,
2. Accepted the party-led consensus process,
3. Pledged total support for the eventual candidate,
4. Committed to peace and unity, and
5. Resolved to work collectively for APC’s victory in 2026.
He described their declaration as “a patriotic step that strengthens our collective resolve and demonstrates rare political maturity”
Chief Ogundeji emphasised that the future and fortunes of the APC in Osun State depend on sustained peace, maturity, and cohesion.
“The future belongs to a united APC. When brothers walk together, their shadows merge. When a party stands together, victory becomes inevitable”
He urged all party members, from ward to national level, to uphold transparency, fairness, and accountability as Osun State moves into the decisive phase of its governorship primary.