Osun APC Defeat: Stakeholders Demand Probe of Oyetola’s Role as Fresh Allegations Hit Faleke

By Lanre Haruna 

The fallout from the All Progressives Congress (APC) defeat in the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election has deepened, with party stakeholders demanding a review of the party’s leadership and candidate-selection process,

while fresh allegations circulating on social media have drawn attention to Hon. James Abiodun Faleke.

The Osun APC Stakeholders Forum, in an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attributed the party’s loss to what it described as the concentration of political appointments and elective positions around the political camp of former Governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola.

The letter, signed by the Forum’s Coordinator, Akin Adeyanju, and Secretary, Honorable Sola Ajay, commended President Tinubu for his support for the party but said the election outcome exposed deep-seated divisions within the Osun APC.

The stakeholders alleged that Oyetola exercised excessive influence over federal appointments and the emergence of APC candidates for elective positions, thereby sidelining party elders, grassroots members and other critical stakeholders.

They specifically alleged that the former governor influenced the selection of the party’s governorship and deputy governorship candidates, three senatorial candidates, nine House of Representatives candidates and 26 House of Assembly candidates.

The group argued that the alleged concentration of political opportunities within one camp weakened internal cohesion and discouraged party members across the state.

“We believe this pattern of exclusion left the party’s base disengaged and cost us the support of critical stakeholders and communities across the state, contributing directly to our defeat on August 15,” the forum stated.

The stakeholders therefore urged President Tinubu to order an independent review of the Osun APC leadership structure and candidate-selection process ahead of future elections.

They also called for a reconciliation meeting involving Oyetola, party elders and aggrieved stakeholders under the supervision of the APC National Working Committee (NWC).

In addition, the forum requested a review of the distribution of federal appointments from Osun State, insisting that appointments should reflect the broader interests and membership of the party rather than a particular political camp.

It further demanded the constitution of a fact-finding committee to examine the conduct of the party’s primaries and investigate complaints raised by stakeholders.

As part of measures to rebuild the party, the stakeholders proposed the immediate convening of an Osun APC state congress to produce a more representative executive.

They also advocated a stakeholders’ reconciliation summit involving the various factions, party elders and interest groups, as well as the adoption of a transparent and inclusive framework for selecting candidates.

Meanwhile, the controversy has taken another dimension following allegations circulating on social media against Faleke.

Some commentators have alleged that the lawmaker played a significant role in the APC’s election strategy in Osun and linked him to other political developments within the ruling party.

One social media post alleged that Faleke was involved in the political crisis in Edo State that reportedly culminated in a change of Speaker, while claiming that some of his activities were undertaken without the full knowledge or consent of President Tinubu.

Another post accused him of allegedly using the President’s name to influence federal contracts, including contracts reportedly connected with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Further claims circulating online alleged that a relative of Faleke occupies a senior position connected with the office of the INEC National Chairman.

Other commentators also alleged that Faleke was pursuing several political ambitions, including positions in the House of Representatives leadership, Chief of Staff, the governorship of Kogi State and, ultimately, the presidency.

However, none of the allegations against Faleke contained in the social media posts was independently substantiated in the material available, and the claims remain allegations by their authors.

The competing claims have added a fresh dimension to the debate over the APC’s defeat in Osun, with growing calls for the party’s national leadership to examine its internal structures, campaign strategy, candidate-selection process and relationship with grassroots stakeholders.

The Osun APC Stakeholders Forum said it remained confident that timely intervention by President Tinubu could restore unity within the party, rebuild members’ confidence and reposition the APC ahead of future electoral contests in the state.