Osun guber poll: I’ll be governor for everyone – Alabi

…submits nomination form

Benedict Alabi, former Deputy Governor of Osun State, on Monday formally submitted his governorship Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.

Alabi submitted the forms at the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, declaring that he is offering himself as a “servant-leader” committed to unity, inclusive governance, and shared progress for the state.

Addressing party officials and supporters, Alabi said he approached the race “with immense humility and a profound sense of duty,” stressing that “my decision is not born of a fleeting ambition, but from a deep-seated and enduring commitment to the progress of our state and the welfare of every single one of our people.”

He acknowledged top leaders of the party, including President Bola Tinubu; Bisi Akande, the former interim national chairman; Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC National Chairman; Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; Sola Akinwunmi, and Tajudeen Lawal, the Osun APC Chairman.

Alabi said his declaration represented “a sacred covenant” with the people of Osun.

He stated, “I stand before you with a heart full of hope and a spirit anchored in service and leadership, at its very best, is an act of service, guided by a good heart.”

“I will be the Governor for everyone.”

The APC governorship hopeful said Osun urgently needs a leader who can bridge divides, unite the party, and restore collective trust.

“Our strength has always been in our unity,” he said.

“I offer myself as a bridge-builder, committed to healing divisions and fostering a new era of inclusive politics.”

Reaffirming his commitment to run an all-inclusive administration if elected, Alabi declared, “My administration will not be a government of ‘winners’.

“It will be a Government of National Unity of the State of Osun where competent hands from across the state, regardless of prior group affiliation and interests, will have a seat at the table.”

He also promised to institutionalise grassroots engagement, saying: “Governance must not be a top-down decree but a continuous conversation with the people.”

Alabi outlined sweeping economic and social policies aimed at expanding opportunities across the state.

He announced that if elected, his government would immediately launch an “Osun Youth Innovation Fund (OYIF)” to support young entrepreneurs with grants, training, and interest-free loans.

He added that a Public Works Brigade would “create jobs while rebuilding our state.”

For traders and farmers, Alabi promised, “We will introduce the ‘Osun Market Money’ initiative and establish an ‘Osun Agri-Business Transformation’ programme to provide our farmers with modern inputs, storage facilities, and access to larger markets.”

He pledged to declare a state of emergency in the education sector, noting that his goal is to “focus on teacher training, infrastructure rehabilitation, and the integration of technology in our classrooms.”

On healthcare, he vowed to expand the state’s health insurance scheme, saying, “Our ‘Ìlera Lọ rọ” OSHIS Health Scheme will be revitalised and expanded to provide affordable, quality healthcare for the elderly, children, and the most vulnerable in our society.”

Speaking on infrastructure, Alabi announced plans for “Operation Rebuild Osun,” which he described as a programme to “complete abandoned projects and initiate new, critical ones; from the rehabilitation of our inner-city and rural roads to ensuring the provision of potable water and sustainable energy solutions.”

He also promised improved security and welfare support for senior citizens, noting, “We will launch the ‘Osun Elderly Care Support Scheme’ to provide monthly stipends and healthcare support for our senior citizens.”

On transparency, he declared, “I pledge to run a government of open books. Every Naira of public funds will be accounted for and used for the public good.”

“I am the Unifier we need.”

Alabi told party members that he is not an outsider but a loyal stakeholder.

“Before you all, I am not a stranger, but a loyal and dedicated compatriot. I have served, I have listened, and I have learned.”

Concluding his speech, he offered himself to members of the party and the state, saying:

“I am Benedict Olugboyega Alabi. I am the Unifier we need. I am the Chance for Everyone. I am the Leader who will serve with a good heart, for the benefit of all.”

He appealed for support, nomination and trust from party delegates ahead of the APC primary.

“Together, let us go forth and build an Osun that we can all be proud of, the State of Living Spring of peace, progress, and prosperity for all.”