Sustaining the Vision: Progressive Youths Prepare for Osun’s Future Beyond 2026 ...COPY serves a quit notice on the People's Democratic Party and the government of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

.....reiterates its commitment to purposeful and visionary leadership, as exemplified under the stewardship of Governor Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola

.....affirms its loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has commenced mobilization of youths across Osun for voter registration, civic education, and grassroots reawakening.

.....commends the leadership of the party and emphasizes the importance of defending the progressive legacy of accountable, people-centered governance over clout chasing.

The Congress of Progressive Youth (COPY) hereby addresses the recent declaration by our esteemed Leader, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, that he will not be contesting the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election.

This development speaks volumes about the statesmanship, discipline, and strategic foresight of a man whose legacy continues to shape progressive politics in Osun State and beyond. While we had, in our April 2024 statement, declared our absolute support for Alhaji Oyetola’s potential candidacy, we wholeheartedly accept and respect his decision to withdraw from the 2026 race. We do so with enduring belief in his leadership and a resolute commitment to support any aspirant worthy of carrying the torch forward.

COPY acknowledges the current political reality: the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) administration has failed to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Osun. With almost ₦1Trillion in monthly federal allocations, the state has witnessed an alarming absence of tangible development. The Governor embarked on white elephant project to siphon money. We believe that the only remedy to this decline lies in returning Osun to the path of purposeful, prudent, and people-centered governance as epitomized by the progressive era.

Thus, while Alhaji Oyetola may no longer be on the ballot, progressive and vision centred legacy must be on the ballot. We will support the party and a flagbearer that embodies the core values of competence, integrity, continuity, and capacity to localize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in Osun State and at the grassroots level.

As a youth-led body, we remain guided by the same conviction that youth participation and inclusion remain key to progressive governance. COPY is prepared to work with any aspirant that emerges, and we call on all progressive youths across the state to rally behind this transition of leadership and vision.

We commend the decorum, discipline, and unity displayed by all aspirants in the race. We recognize the maturity of the aspirants who pledged to avoid campaigns of bitterness, acrimony, or calumny. This posture reflects the true spirit of internal democracy and progressive leadership that the APC is known for.

Furthermore, we salute the proactive and stabilizing role played by the Agba Osun Caucus, under the revered leadership of Baba Chief Bisi Akande, and commend the strategic guidance of Engineer Elder Shola Akinwumi as the Chairman of the Osun APC Elders’ Council. Their continued fatherly oversight has strengthened party cohesion and given hope for a united and formidable front going into the 2026 elections.

As we proceed toward this critical election, COPY reiterates its unwavering commitment to mobilizing the youth for voter education, continuous voter registration, PVC collection, and grassroots engagement across all wards and local councils. We believe that reclaiming Osun is not just a party task—it is a generational duty.

The Congress of Progressive Youth also reaffirms its absolute loyalty to the leadership of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC)—at the national, state, and grassroots levels. We align fully with the vision of our amiable National Leader and President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda continues to set a new standard for purposeful governance across the federation.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Osun APC Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Lawal, Sooko, whose steady, inclusive, and strategic leadership has brought renewed energy, unity, and structure to the party. Under his watch, our party has witnessed a remarkable influx of new members and the reawakening of grassroots engagement. His style of leadership is not only uncommon—it is result-oriented, people-focused, and clearly working.

As we move towards the party primaries and ultimately the 2026 general election, COPY stands ready to throw its full weight behind the process and outcome, in the interest of party supremacy and collective progress. We urge all stakeholders and aspirants to remember that our real opponent lies outside our fold—not within. Our strength is our unity.

Victory in 2026 is not a matter of if, but when—so long as we stay united, focused, and loyal to the ideals that bind us as progressives.

Let the legacy live on. Let the future begin.

Signed:

Lekan Ibrahim

Secretary

Congress of Progressive Youth (COPY)