NIWA chief Oyebamiji declares governorship ambition for Osun 2026

The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, has formally announced his intention to run for the governorship of Osun State in 2026 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His declaration has already attracted a wave of endorsements, including backing from former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, as well as key former aides of past governors Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola.

A number of youth groups have also pledged their support for Oyebamiji’s candidacy.

The NIWA chief made the announcement during a gathering with his supporters, including members of the Osun Progressives People’s Forum (OPPF), at the Tinubu/Shettima campaign office.

Following the meeting, he led the group to the APC state secretariat, where they engaged with the party’s executive members to solidify his bid.

Addressing his supporters, he said, “After consulting with leaders of the party about my aspiration to become the governor of the State in 2026, I come here today to declare my intention.

“I have what it takes to be governor if my party, APC give me the guber ticket. I will not just contest, I will win by the support of everyone. We have seen how this state is mismanage under the current government, they have totally deviate which is not sitting well with the tenets of our party.

“I am presenting myself to rescue this state. I have what its takes to govern the state because of my experience in private and public sector. I have garner experience having served as Finance commissioner in the state.

“Part of the experience I have made President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Marine to push me for national assignment. I am hereby declaring my aspiration to become the candidate of the party and also win come 2026.”

Earlier, Owoeye who spoke on behalf of other leaders of the party including ex- information commissioner under Aregbesola, Chief Sunday Akere, Raheem Tadese (Water Resources Commissioner) and other aides of the ex- governors endorsed NIWA boss aspiration.