President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly summoned 76 leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State to an emergency meeting in Abuja as the party intensifies efforts to resolve internal disagreements ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election.
The meeting, which reportedly took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, brought together prominent APC figures from different political camps in Osun State.
The development comes amid concerns within the ruling party over alleged divisions and dissatisfaction among some party leaders, raising questions about the ability of the Osun APC to maintain a united campaign structure ahead of the crucial election.
Tinubu Intervenes in Osun APC Crisis
President Tinubu's intervention is being viewed as an attempt to prevent internal disagreements from affecting the APC's chances in the forthcoming Osun governorship election.
During the meeting, the President reportedly urged party leaders to put their differences aside and work together towards securing victory for the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
The President was also said to have listened to complaints from party members who felt excluded from the political process.
Some of the grievances reportedly centred on federal appointments and the distribution of political opportunities among different factions within the Osun APC.
The meeting reportedly followed concerns presented to the President by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu regarding dissatisfaction among some APC leaders in the state.
76 APC Leaders Attend Emergency Meeting
The reported attendance of about 76 APC leaders underscores the importance attached to the meeting by the party's national leadership.
Among those reportedly present were former Speaker of the House of Representatives Olubunmi Ete, former speakers of the Osun State House of Assembly Mojeed Alabi, Adejare Bello and Wale Afolabi, alongside other prominent APC members.
The APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, was also reportedly involved in coordinating the meeting.
The large gathering provided an opportunity for different political interests within the Osun APC to express their concerns and discuss the way forward ahead of the election.
Party Leaders Urged to Close Ranks
President Tinubu reportedly urged the party members to concentrate on the larger objective of winning the governorship election instead of allowing internal disagreements to weaken the party.
The President was said to have reminded the leaders of the importance of unity, particularly in view of the APC's previous electoral setbacks in Osun State.
The party lost the 2022 governorship election in the state and has since been working to regain control of Osun.
With the 2026 election approaching, the APC leadership appears determined to avoid a repeat of divisions that could affect its electoral performance.
Oyebamiji's Campaign in Focus
The meeting also places renewed attention on the campaign of Bola Oyebamiji, the APC candidate for the Osun State governorship election.
Oyebamiji's campaign has received support from prominent APC figures in the state and at the national level. However, the ability of the party to mobilise effectively across Osun's local government areas and wards will depend significantly on cooperation among its grassroots leaders.
A united APC structure could strengthen the party's chances, while unresolved disagreements could create difficulties for the campaign.
The latest intervention by President Tinubu therefore comes at a critical point in the election cycle.
Internal Unity Becomes Major Election Issue
Internal cohesion could become one of the most important factors for the APC as the August 15 election approaches.
Political parties require effective coordination between their national leadership, state executives, local government structures and grassroots campaign teams. Any major disconnect between these levels can affect mobilisation and voter outreach.
For the Osun APC, the challenge is now to turn the reported Abuja meeting into concrete cooperation across the state.
The situation also highlights the wider challenge of internal democracy in Nigerian political parties, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum.
Premium News Naija recently examined similar questions surrounding party organisation in its report on the APC's revised National Assembly candidates' list.
APC's Broader Political Strategy
The development in Osun also comes against the backdrop of increasing political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ruling party has continued to strengthen its political structures across different parts of the country, while opposition parties are also working to build alliances and consolidate their support bases.
Earlier this year, Premium News Naija reported on Shekarau's return to the APC and its implications for Nigeria's political realignment.
Events such as the Osun meeting demonstrate why party unity and grassroots organisation are likely to remain major themes as Nigeria moves closer to the next general elections.
What Happens Before August 15?
With the election only days away, the APC will now face pressure to demonstrate that the reported intervention has produced practical results.
The key question is whether the various political camps within the party will genuinely work together following the meeting with President Tinubu.
If the reported grievances are successfully addressed, the APC could enter the final stage of the campaign with a more coordinated structure.
However, if disagreements persist, the party could face difficulties translating its national political influence into effective grassroots support.
Osun Voters to Decide
Ultimately, the outcome of the Osun 2026 governorship election will be determined by voters across the state.
Beyond party meetings and campaign strategies, voters are expected to consider issues including economic development, infrastructure, employment, education, healthcare, security and the overall direction of governance in Osun State.
President Tinubu's reported meeting with 76 APC leaders nevertheless sends a strong signal that the ruling party is taking its internal situation in Osun seriously.
Whether the intervention will translate into electoral gains for Bola Oyebamiji and the APC will become clearer when voters head to the polls on August 15.
For now, the focus remains on whether the party can close ranks, strengthen its grassroots structure and present a united front as the final days of the Osun governorship election campaign unfold.
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