In a major political development ahead of the 2026 electoral season, the Forum of Osun East Councilors has unanimously endorsed Prince Thomas Olaleye Ogungbangbe, Director General of the Osun East AMBO Campaign Organization and aspirant for the Osun East Senatorial District, as its consensus candidate for the forthcoming APC Osun East Senatorial contest.
The endorsement was reached during a strategic meeting between Prince Ogungbangbe and members of the Forum of Osun East Councilors. In a separate engagement, the Osun East Ward Chairmen Forum also met with the frontline aspirant to deliberate on party unity, grassroots mobilization, and strategic preparations for the August 15 gubernatorial election.
Addressing the councilors, Prince Ogungbangbe described them as the true “Directors General” of their various wards, emphasizing their critical role in determining electoral victories across the senatorial district.
“There is a reason why there is a Director General for Osun East. The councilors are the Directors General of their wards. If everyone wins their ward, then the election will be over even before it starts,” he stated.
He congratulated party leaders and stakeholders on the recent court victory while urging members of the party to remain united, courageous, and committed as preparations intensify for the gubernatorial election.
“We must face this election undeterred and unalloyed. There is a bulk of responsibility on us from Osun East to deliver, and we must deliver because Osun East is the senatorial district that will determine who wins on August 15,” he said.
Prince Ogungbangbe further stressed the need for total commitment and electoral dominance in Osun East, describing the political task ahead as a fierce contest that requires strategic coordination and grassroots strength.
“We must work to secure over 70 percent of the votes so that if there is any shortfall from other senatorial districts, Osun East can conveniently make up for it while still maintaining our own strength,” he added.
The APC stalwart also assured both councilors and ward chairmen that campaign structures and committees ahead of the election would largely accommodate grassroots leaders in recognition of their political relevance and mobilization capacity.
“Our aspiration is not to damage the enthusiasm of the party. As we work towards the August 15 election, we hope to put our structure and strength to test for the progress of the APC,” he noted.
The motion for the endorsement of Prince Thomas Olaleye Ogungbangbe as the consensus candidate of the Forum of Osun East Councilors was moved by Hon. Wale Odedeyi of Edun-Abon II, Ife North, and seconded by Hon. Olasore Oluwadamilare of Ward II, Ilesa East.
During the separate meeting with Ward Chairmen, Prince Ogungbangbe described ward chairmen as the political foundation of the APC structure.
“Ward Chairmen are the mothers that birth both aspirants and candidates. Therefore, Ward Chairmen are very important in this journey,” he remarked.
Notable leaders present at the meetings included the Apex Leader, Chief Emilola Ogunsanya (Feg-Agro); Hon. Olufemi Akosile; Hon. Obisesan Olasunkanmi; Hon. Ojeleye Emmanuel, Chairman, All Ward Chairmen, Osun East; and Hon. Fafiyemi Ismael, Chairman, All Councilors, Osun State.
