Oyebamiji resigns
management style. He brought financial discipline and operational rigor to NIWA, leveraging his prior experience as Finance Commissioner and in the private sector. �
Naija Nexus News +1
Political Backing & Support
Oyebamiji’s resignation also underscores his growing influence within the APC and his serious ambition for the Osun governorship.
Endorsements from Former Lawmakers: More than 50 former state and national legislators have publicly endorsed him. They describe him as a “round peg in a round hole,” signaling deep confidence in his capacity to lead. �
The Guardian Nigeria
Grassroots Support: Several ex-local government chairmen have appealed to key APC figures — notably Oyetola — to support Oyebamiji’s bid. These local leaders have formed a mobilization group called “Grassrooters for AMBO.” �
Naija News +2
Diaspora Backing: A group known as the AMBO Movement (UK) has pledged its financial and logistical support for his bid, highlighting his perceived grassroots appeal, integrity, and vision. �
Vanguard News
Political Risks and Challenges
While his resignation signals boldness, Oyebamiji’s journey to securing the APC ticket and ultimately winning governorship is not without risk:
Intra-Party Competition
The APC primary (scheduled for December 13) will be fiercely contested. Oyebamiji is one among at least 13 aspirants, and internal party dynamics, including zoning debates, could complicate his path. �
Osun
Credibility & Performance Scrutiny
His tenure at NIWA may come under greater scrutiny now. Critics might question whether safety improvements are as deep-rooted or long-lasting as claimed, or whether institutional reforms will survive his exit.
Balancing Technocrat vs. Politician Identity
Oyebamiji’s strength lies in his technocratic background — banking, public finance, management. But translating that into electoral appeal requires a narrative that resonates with everyday voters in Osun State, especially around infrastructure, social services, and local development.
Zoning & Regional Politics
Though he is from Osun-West, there is ongoing debate within the APC about equitable zoning of the governorship ticket for 2026. � Some aspirants are likely to push hard on regional balance, and Oyebamiji will need to manage these fault lines carefully.
Vanguard News
Implications for Osun 2026
Oyebamiji’s emergence as a “full-time” gubernatorial aspirant carries several implications:
Strengthening His Narrative: With his NIWA experience, he can credibly pitch himself as a leader who blends governance, technical know-how, and public service.
APC Strategy: His resignation may shift APC’s internal calculus — party leaders might coalesce around him if they see him as a strong, competent, and electable candidate.
Policy Expectations: If he wins, voters will likely expect his administration to prioritize economic management, infrastructure (especially water transport and blue economy), and institutional reform.
Legacy at NIWA: His departure leaves a legacy that his successor must uphold (or risk undoing). The reforms and gains he touted will now be part of his political pitch, but they also become benchmarks for continuity or critique.
Conclusion
Bola Oyebamiji’s resignation as NIWA MD is more than a procedural step to obey electoral rules — it is a deliberate, strategic recalibration of his political trajectory. By leaving his federal appointment, he is placing all his political capital on Osun State, betting on his experience, track record, and support base to carry him through a tough APC primary and beyond.
Whether Oyebamiji will translate his technocratic success into electoral victory remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: his resignation marks the formal beginning of a serious, full-throttle campaign for the Osun 2026 governorship — and his next moves will be closely watched by both supporters and rivals.
