Osun monarchs back ex-Amotekun boss for APC senatorial ticket

A group of traditional rulers from Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo local government areas of Osun State has urged leaders of the All Progressives Congress to prioritise track record in selecting the party’s candidate for the Osun West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections.

The monarchs made their position known in a statement read and signed by the Olukotun of Ikotun land, Oba Amuda Adio, after a meeting held in Awo, Osun State.

The statement, obtained in Osogbo on Saturday, noted that beyond their roles as traditional rulers, they also influence the electoral choices of their families and communities.

They urged the APC leadership to consider Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinbi for the party’s senatorial ticket, citing his past contributions to communities in the district.

The statement read in part, “We, as traditional rulers, recognise the importance of track record and the ability to make an impact when given the opportunity to serve. In our view, we consider Gen. Adew inbi’s past deeds and believe he has done enough to earn our support. We know him. His party, APC, has not yet given him the ticket to contest the election.

“We are monarchs and fathers to all politicians. But as heads of communities in Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo, we accept Adewinbi. We are using this medium to call on APC elders in the state and Osun West Senatorial District to consider his track record and allow him to secure the party’s ticket for the Senate.

“If the party gives him the ticket, we assure them that we, the traditional rulers in Ede North, Ede South and Egbedore, will give him the necessary support at the polls.”

The PUNCH reports that Adewinbi, a retired brigadier general in the Nigerian Army, previously served as the pioneer commander of the Osun State Amotekun Corps.

The Ede-born former military officer was appointed by the immediate past governor of the state, Adegboyega Oyetola.

He is contesting for the APC Osun West senatorial ticket alongside other aspirants, including insurance expert Dr Akin Ogunbiyi and a former member representing Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Bade Falade, among others.