The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Osun-East Senatorial District Campaign Council, Prince Thomas Ogungbangbe , has declared that Governor Ademola Adeleke is gradually losing political influence across major strongholds in Osun State ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

Ogungbangbe, who is also contesting for the Osun-East Senate seat under the APC platform, made the remarks while addressing party supporters in Iloko-Ijesa after incumbent councillors and ward chairmen from Ife/Ijesa endorsed him for the senatorial ticket.

He predicted defeat for the ruling Accord Party in the August 15, 2026 governorship poll, insisting that the APC now enjoys stronger grassroots support across the district.

According to him, the growing number of politicians defecting from both the PDP and Accord Party to the APC is a clear sign that Osun residents are ready for a new administration led by AMBO.

“Since APC took over at the federal level, there have been significant changes. Most of the grassroots politicians from PDP and Accord Party have moved into our camp. Their strongholds have been broken already, and APC is now in a stronger position,” he stated.

Ogungbangbe further criticised the current administration, accusing Governor Adeleke of neglecting communities in Osun-East during the last three years.

“We are not interested in comedy in governance. Osun people want a purposeful government, and that is why we are supporting AMBO. Adeleke’s strongholds have shifted in our favour, and opinion polls in this district currently stand at 70/30,” he added.

The APC chieftain assured residents that the party’s governorship candidate, Oyebamiji, would prioritise infrastructure and community development if elected in 2026.

Speaking on his endorsement by party leaders and councillors for the Osun-East Senate ticket, Ogungbangbe said his long-standing involvement in the party and grassroots politics gives him an edge in understanding the needs of the people.

“I have spent over 21 years within the party and the community. This has helped me understand the challenges facing our people and the gaps in previous representation. That is why councillors across Ife/Ijesa endorsed me,” he explained.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Osun State Forum of Councillors, Hon. Ismail Fafiyebi , described Ogungbangbe as a capable leader with the experience needed to provide quality representation.

Similarly, Chairman of Osun APC Ward Chairmen, Chief Ojeleye Emmanuel , pledged that party members across the district are ready to mobilise support for Ogungbangbe during the forthcoming APC primary election.