Davido Watches the Political Drumbeat as Tinubu Signals APC’s Bid to Reclaim Osun in 2026

A mix of politics, power, and pop culture played out in Osogbo over the weekend as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally declared that the journey to reclaim Osun State for the All Progressives Congress has begun, a moment that unfolded under the quiet observation of award-winning music star Davido, whose presence added an unexpected cultural spotlight to an otherwise strategic party exercise. The declaration followed the emergence of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji as the APC’s governorship candidate for the 2026 Osun election, a development Tinubu described as the first decisive step in returning the state to the progressive fold.

The APC primary election, held in the Osun State capital, was conducted through affirmation, with party delegates unanimously endorsing Oyebamiji after other aspirants stepped down in a show of unity that party leaders were quick to praise. For a party that has faced internal fractures in recent election cycles, the optics of consensus were significant, and the President seized the moment to underline its importance. In a statement released by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu congratulated Oyebamiji and commended the Osun APC for what he described as maturity, reconciliation, and loyalty to party ideals.

According to the President, the conduct of the primary signaled a renewed resolve within the party to put past divisions behind it and focus squarely on the task ahead. He described the unanimous affirmation of Oyebamiji’s candidacy as a reflection of shared purpose and strategic discipline, noting that such cohesion would be essential if the APC hopes to reclaim Osun from the opposition in 2026. Tinubu emphasized that political victory is rarely accidental, stressing that it is often the product of preparation, unity, and a willingness to subordinate personal ambition for collective success.

Davido’s presence at the event, even as an observer, did not go unnoticed. The globally recognized Afrobeats star, who hails from Osun State and comes from a prominent political family, has long been viewed as a symbolic bridge between youth culture and the state’s political elite. His appearance at the primary venue added a layer of public intrigue, sparking conversations both online and offline about the growing intersections between entertainment, influence, and Nigerian politics. While Davido made no formal political statement during the exercise, his quiet observation was enough to amplify attention on the event, particularly among younger Nigerians who often feel detached from party politics.

President Tinubu, in his message, was deliberate in extending praise not only to the candidate but also to the aspirants who stepped aside to allow for a consensus outcome. He described their actions as a demonstration of uncommon party loyalty, noting that such sacrifices are often the unseen foundation of future electoral success. By choosing unity over internal contestation, Tinubu said, the Osun APC had sent a clear signal that it was ready to do the hard work required to win back the trust of voters across the state.

The President also issued a direct charge to Oyebamiji, urging him to be magnanimous in victory and to actively embrace all party leaders, stakeholders, and former aspirants as the campaign journey begins. He stressed that inclusivity would be critical in building a broad-based coalition capable of winning the governorship election, adding that political strength is multiplied when no one feels excluded from the process. Tinubu’s message reflected lessons drawn from past elections, where internal divisions have often weakened parties ahead of crucial polls.

“The journey to reclaim Osun State for the progressive fold in the 2026 governorship election has begun,” Tinubu said in the statement. “I urge all APC members and leaders in the state to remain focused, united, and resolute. Victory is achievable, and together, we will succeed.” The words were both a rallying cry and a warning, underscoring that early momentum must be sustained through discipline and coordinated effort.

The primary election was chaired by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, whose role added another layer of national party presence to the exercise. His supervision of the process was aimed at reinforcing transparency and credibility, especially in a political climate where primaries are often scrutinized for fairness. Party officials described the process as orderly and peaceful, an outcome they believe strengthens the APC’s narrative of internal stability as it looks ahead to 2026.

For Osun State, the declaration marks the formal start of what is expected to be a long and intense political season. The state has historically been a competitive battleground, with power shifting between parties over the years. The APC’s determination to reclaim Osun suggests that the party sees the state as strategically important, both symbolically and electorally, within the broader South-West political landscape.

Davido’s subtle presence at the event served as a reminder of Osun’s unique political culture, where lineage, influence, and modern celebrity often intersect. As conversations continue about youth participation in governance and the role of cultural icons in shaping political awareness, moments like this highlight how political gatherings are no longer confined to party faithful alone. They are increasingly becoming stages where politics, culture, and public perception collide.

As Oyebamiji begins the task of consolidating support within the party and reaching out beyond it, the APC leadership appears keen to project an image of readiness and resolve. The message from the Presidency is clear: the groundwork for 2026 must be laid early, and unity will be non-negotiable. With the journey officially declared open, all eyes are now on how the party translates its internal consensus into a compelling case for voters across Osun State.

Whether the early show of unity will hold through the inevitable pressures of campaigning remains to be seen, but for now, the APC is signaling confidence. From the President’s endorsement to the unanimous primary and the symbolic observation by a global music star, the stage has been set for what promises to be a closely watched political contest. In Osun, the road to 2026 has begun, and the echoes of that declaration are already resonating far beyond the walls of the primary venue.