…APC youth leader says decision followed consultations with party leadership
Olufemi Afis Oyetola, son of former Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola and an APC youth leader, has withdrawn from the Osun Central Senatorial race, saying the move is aimed at preserving party unity ahead of the 2026 elections.
Oyetola announced his decision in a letter dated May 18, 2026, addressed to the Osun State APC Chairman and the party’s National Assembly Primary Election Committee.
In the letter, he said the decision followed “extensive consultations and strategic interventions” from senior party leaders. He argued that stepping aside was necessary to protect the party’s cohesion and improve its chances in the upcoming polls.
“As loyal party men and women, we must always place the collective interest of the party above personal ambition,” Oyetola wrote.
Oyetola thanked youths and stakeholders across Osun Central who had supported him, noting that some had voluntarily purchased expression of interest and nomination forms on his behalf. He described their gesture as “one of the greatest honours” of his political journey.
He urged supporters to remain calm and back the party’s leadership, saying his withdrawal was not an end to their shared vision but “a demonstration of sacrifice, discipline, and dedication to party cohesion.”
The APC chieftain pledged to continue working with party leaders and youth mobilizers to strengthen party structures and secure victories for APC candidates in future elections.
As of press time, the Osun State APC leadership had not announced a consensus candidate for the Osun Central Senatorial seat following Oyetola’s withdrawal.
