We Say No To Zoning, Let the Best Amongst Us Lead the Rest of Us - Folarin Fafowora replies Timothy Owoeye

I have carefully digested and thoroughly reflected on the opinion expressed by my brother, kinsman, former colleague, and former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, regarding the forthcoming 2026 gubernatorial election in Osun state.

First and foremost, in the spirit of brotherhood and bond that we shared over the years, i offer my friendly and harmless advice. As leaders, we must continue to nurture the fragile unity and peaceful coexistence currently holding the Osun APC together. As it stands today, this is not the best of time to sow seeds of discord or allow internal wrangling to derail our collective mission to reclaim our state from these undemocratic pretenders. We must face the political reality and task ourselves as a party in opposition, and we must continually learn to embrace that truth with courage and sincerity. As one who has witnessed our transition from opposition to government before, i dare say what should be driving our discussions and decisions is not zonal or senatorial sentiment, but the broader vision and collective goal of how to return APC to the Bola Ige House in Abeere come 2026 to restore the glory of our state, which is presently residing in the mud under the watch of Ademola Adeleke.

I implore you to take a cue from our 2005 - 2007 political handbook, which you will recollect back then that zoning was not on the table. Our sole agenda was electoral victory for our party, then the Action Congress (AC). We must rekindle that fire and fate, that winning spirit, and put forward our most formidable, marketable, and electable product who the party in power fears. The guiding principle should remain capacity, capability, and competence, not which zone a candidate hails from.

The spirit of Omoluabi in us must never go on recess. Let us walk the noble path by listening to the voice of wisdom from our leaders. The party leader in the state and immediate past governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, has consistently echoed that zoning is not part of the progressive principles and ideology. Our political fathers we look up to politically, the Obafemi Awolowos and Bola Tinubus have always stood by the idea of presenting the best irrespective of where he or she comes from. This was the same guiding principle we used in 2018 for the selection of Alhaji Oyetola.

Senator Iyiola Omisore and the APC Igbimo Agba Osun also share this same doctrine. So why are we trying to destabilise the party with zoning? We must encourage all credible and qualified party men and women who have genuine interest and capacity to serve to throw their hats in the ring. Let us put an end to this pull-him-down syndrome. Everyone should be given a fair and equal shot at the governorship seat because at no time in our political history has any zone be asked to quit or stepped down. 

One major voice that has consistently championed party unity is Senator Ajibola Basiru. He has warned against divisive politicking like what played out in 2018, which fractured our ranks and left us vulnerable in the hands of the opposition. He still made this call at a recent political ward meeting he attended recently in Osogbo. These are traits of statemen. He understands that elections are not won by zoning. They are won at the grassroots, across the over 3,800 polling units in Osun. Mr. Speaker, our unity is our greatest weapon in Osun APC. 

For me, as an individual, the choice before us is clear. The party needs a well tested and trusted hand to take the battle to PDP and uproot the non-performing administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke. My preference is Senator (Dr.) Ajibola Basiru (SRJ), and my reasons are valid. A legal luminary, political technocrat, fearless mobilizer, and seasoned strategist, he is not just an aspirant. He is a movement. As National Secretary of our great party, APC, he has proven over and over again that he has the brain, the brawn, and the clout to galvanize support from the wards, local, state to the federal level. He is a man of immense capacity, deep intellect, and unmatched loyalty to the progressive cause. He has been around since our days of struggle in the trenches, not one who savours the soup when the cooking was completely done with no antecedents of political history or alignment.

His roots in Osogbo further align with the ongoing agitation to reclaim our state. In political reality class, Osogbo, being a major political fortress in the state, has both the numerical strength and strategic relevance to lead the charge for APC electorally. With the support of other zones, towns, and local governments areas, an Osogbo candidate like SRJ can carry the day and deliver the victory to APC. This is the bitter truth every progressive element in Osun must learn to accept and swallow. Let us remember that to defeat an incumbent from Ede is not an expiremental game for novices.

Let me appeal to Hon. Timothy Owoeye, all political camps, stakeholders, party faithfuls, and leaders to take their campaign to the grassroots, engage the people, and sell our ideals and mission to the real members of our party. Let us bury the zoning distraction once and for all. The contest should be open and democratic for all aspirants. Let the best among us emerge through a transparent, fair contest. And when the dust settles, may the banner of victory be lifted once again by the APC in Osun State. Our victory is possible in 2026.