A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Peter Taiwo Ogundeji, has stepped down from the Osun West Senatorial District primary election scheduled for Monday ahead of the 2027 general election.
Ogundeji, popularly known as APATA, announced his decision in a statement issued by his Media and Communications Office, stating that the move was made in the interest of peace, unity, and stability within the Osun APC.
According to the statement, the decision followed consultations with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, alongside elders within his political family, members of the APATA Political Movement, and other stakeholders.
The APC chieftain explained that he had resolved to suspend his aspiration to represent Osun West Senatorial District in the Senate under the platform of the APC during the 2027 elections.
Ogundeji stated that the decision was not borne out of fear or discouragement but was taken out of loyalty, discipline, conviction, and respect for Oyetola, whom he described as his political leader and mentor.
He maintained that party unity and collective interest must always take precedence over personal ambition, adding that sacrifices made for peace and stability within a political family would always yield positive outcomes in the future.
The APC stalwart also expressed appreciation to his supporters, political associates, family members, grassroots mobilisers, and members of the APATA Political Movement for their support and sacrifices throughout the period of political consultations.
He acknowledged the disappointment some supporters might feel over his withdrawal from the race but assured them that their relationship with him extended beyond politics and electoral contests.
Ogundeji further assured beneficiaries of his empowerment programmes that all ongoing initiatives under his leadership would continue without interruption.
According to him, apprenticeship schemes, scholarship programmes, health outreaches, and other humanitarian activities being sponsored through his foundation would not be abandoned.
The politician also stated that leadership is not only tested during victory but also during periods of sacrifice and transition.
He reaffirmed his commitment to progressive politics and pledged continued support toward strengthening the APC, promoting internal harmony, and mobilising support for future electoral victories in Osun State and across Nigeria.
Ogundeji added that patience should not be mistaken for weakness, insisting that loyalty and sacrifice remain essential virtues in leadership.
He also stressed that true progressives must place unity above personal interests in order to preserve the future of the party.
However, a source privy to the meeting held by stakeholders of the party in Iwo on May 14, who spoke with AMILOADED on condition of anonymity, said Ogundeji’s withdrawal stemmed from the alleged imposition of Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi as the consensus candidate by party stakeholders in Osun West.
The source added that the stakeholders were acting based on the instruction and endorsement of Ogunbiyi by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.
Recall that Ogundeji was one of the aspirants who obtained the nomination form to contest the Osun West Senatorial race.
His withdrawal is coming a few hours before the party’s senatorial primaries scheduled to hold on Monday, May 17, 2026, across the country.
