Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Osun State, has expressed supreme confidence ahead of the August 8, 2026, election, likening his path to victory to taking a penalty kick against an empty net.
Addressing a vibrant gathering of young people from across the state’s three senatorial districts in Osogbo, Oyebamiji made it clear that the political tide has shifted. He declared that “today is not like yesterday,” signaling a new chapter for the APC and its mission to reclaim the state. The candidate’s optimistic outlook is rooted in a deep analysis of past voting patterns and a strategic focus on the youth demographic.
During the interactive session, Oyebamiji shared data from the 2022 election, noting that out of the 300,000 votes cast for the party, the youth contributed a significant 210,000. He emphasized that his campaign recognizes the younger generation as the backbone of any successful electoral bid, promising that a dedicated program specifically tailored to their needs is already in the works and will be rolled out soon.
The candidate urged his supporters to translate their enthusiasm into grassroots action. He called for a relentless door-to-door and house-to-house mobilization effort at the ward level, insisting that the APC currently faces no real competition in the upcoming race. To back this up, he assured the youth leaders that the necessary resources would be provided to ensure the party effectively “takes over” come election day.
The event also featured the state APC Youth Leader, Goke Akinwemimo, who made a passionate plea for youth inclusion should Oyebamiji emerge as governor. Akinwemimo pointed to the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola as a model, noting that a solid foundation for youth engagement had already been laid and must be sustained.
As the 2026 governorship race heats up, Oyebamiji’s “no-goalkeeper” metaphor serves as both a morale booster for his supporters and a challenge to the opposition. By positioning the youth at the center of his agenda, he hopes to consolidate the party’s base and secure a decisive victory in the polls.
