Members and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osun State, yesterday formally endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027, even as the party received two serving senators and three members of the House of Representatives who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Addressing party faithful at a reception programme held at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, yesterday, Senator Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central), Hon. Oluwole Oke (Obokun/Ori-Ade), Hon. Sanya Omirin (Ijesa South Federal Constituency), and Hon. Taofeek Ajilesoro (Ife Federal Constituency), the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, declared that the PDP and the Accord Party in the state had become ‘political carcasses’.

He stated that “PDP and Accord are now dead. They are confused, and the reason is that both parties combined are now carcasses. We will vote in 2026 and win.”

Speaking about reasons for endorsing Tinubu for a second term in office, Oyetola noted that Tinubu has laid a strong foundation for Nigeria’s rebirth, asserting that “we proudly and confidently endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027 to consolidate these gains and secure lasting prosperity.”

He stated that when President Tinubu assumed office, Nigeria’s economy stood at the brink, but his bold decisions improved foreign exchange stability, among others.

“Those reforms are yielding results; fuel importation has reduced significantly, strengthening local refining capacity. Over $50 billion in new investment commitments reflect renewed global confidence. The national minimum wage now stands at ₦70,000. More than ₦200,000 students have accessed higher education loans.”

Also, the APC gubernatorial candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), highlighted the need for the party to work assiduously to ensure winning the 2026 Osun State governorship election and subsequently 2027 for Tinubu.

He said, “To party leaders, party members and supporters, as we look toward the 2026 and 2027 elections, unity within our ranks is non-negotiable. Our leaders, youths, men and women, and all grassroots mobilisers must continue to work together with a singular objective to return our state to a path of growth, accountability, and inclusive development.”

Speaking to the defectors, “Your decision to formally join us today reinforces the momentum we are building and sends a strong signal that the future belongs to those who are prepared to act decisively and responsibly. In Osun, enough of dancing and it is time to work.”

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Osun State Chairman of APC, Tajudeen Lawal, noted that both old and new members of the party would be treated equally, stressing the need to win the 2026 gubernatorial election.

“This is to restore the lost glory of our state since over three years ago that its administration has been in the hands of a political novice who has either drastically reversed or absolutely lost all the gains of the past through a crass exhibition of ineptitude in public office.”

The Chairman of APC Elders Caucus, Chief Sola Akinwumi, moved the motion of endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for second term in office, while Chief Shuib Oyedokun seconded it.

The National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola, who presided over the programme, said other political parties in the state were dead as he reiterated the success recorded under the administration of President Tinubu.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Senator Fadahunsi assured that they would be loyal to the party and also ensure victory during the 2026 Osun gubernatorial election.