The All Progressives Congress (APC) has acknowledged that internal divisions, disagreement over its candidate and complacency contributed to its defeat in the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
APC chieftain Farouk Aliyu made the admission during an interview on ARISE Morning Show, saying the party “defeated itself” despite making significant efforts to win the election.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party won re-election with 511,677 votes, securing a second term after defeating APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji by more than 66,000 votes.
Aliyu said disagreements over the choice of the APC candidate weakened the party’s campaign, with some members allegedly refusing to work fully for the party because they were unhappy with the candidate.
He said the result should serve as a warning to the APC ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, stressing the need for candidates to have broad support within the party.
Aliyu also said some APC members underestimated Adeleke and his political movement, believing that the influence of the federal government would guarantee victory.
According to him, the election showed that political parties could not depend on federal influence while neglecting grassroots mobilisation and internal unity.
He declined to publicly name those he believed were responsible for the defeat, saying the issues should be resolved within the party.
Aliyu also criticised comments made by APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru during the campaign, arguing that they contributed to the party’s poor performance.
He nevertheless praised President Bola Tinubu for not deploying federal power to influence the election and commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the transparent uploading of results on its IReV platform.
Adeleke’s victory has attracted reactions from prominent Nigerian political figures and groups.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo visited Adeleke at his country home in Ede and congratulated him on his re-election. He urged the governor to continue providing good governance and responding to the needs of Osun residents.
Adeleke thanked Obasanjo and pledged not to disappoint the people of the state.
Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo also congratulated Adeleke, saying the result reflected the confidence voters placed in his administration. He called on political actors to promote peace and unity.
Former PDP Deputy National Chairman Olabode George and the pan-Yoruba organisation Afenifere also congratulated the governor.
Afenifere described the election as free, fair and credible, while urging Nigeria to strengthen its electoral system before the 2027 general elections.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, meanwhile urged Adeleke to form an inclusive government and ensure equitable distribution of appointments.
The election has also raised questions about the APC’s political strategy as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 presidential contest.
political calculations surrounding the next general election may have affected some of the party’s activities in Osun. According to the report, discussions were held around the possibility of cooperation between political forces linked to the Adeleke political structure and the APC ahead of 2027.
An unnamed APC source cited by Vanguard claimed that some party strategists left the state shortly before voting began as political discussions continued.The reported developments have intensified scrutiny of the APC’s internal cohesion, candidate-selection process and electoral strategy as Nigeria prepares for another closely watched national election.
