Oyebamiji resigns

Oyebamiji resigns
Oyebamiji’s Exit from NIWA: A Strategic Shift in the Osun 2026 Contest
In a significant political move, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji has resigned as Managing Director (MD) and CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), officially signaling his full commitment to contesting the 2026 Osun State governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC). His departure reflects a blend of political ambition, administrative record, and timing — and marks a turning point in the emerging dynamics of the Osun 2026 race.
Who Is Bola Oyebamiji?
Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known by his initials AMBO, is a seasoned technocrat, banker, and public servant. Before leading NIWA, he held several high-profile roles, including two terms as Commissioner for Finance in Osun State and later serving as a special adviser to the then-Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. �
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His appointment as the 8th MD/CEO of NIWA came in October 2023, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, based on Oyetola’s recommendation. � During his tenure, he deployed nearly four decades of experience in both the public and private sectors to drive reforms within the agency. �
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Why the Resignation — and Why Now?
Oyebamiji’s decision to step down from NIWA is not surprising, given his long-declared ambition to run for governor of Osun State in 2026. � According to reports, his resignation aligns with Nigeria’s electoral laws: public office holders must resign before participating in party primaries. �
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He confirmed the move in a message to media, stating, “I have resigned in accordance with the electoral law to pursue my Osun 2026 governorship ambition.” � Insiders say his departure is part of a broader strategy: by leaving NIWA, he frees himself to campaign full-time, mobilize support, and navigate the APC internal contest without the constraints of his former role. �
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His Record at NIWA: What He Achieved
During his time at the helm of NIWA, Oyebamiji made several bold moves and registered some notable achievements:
Safety Improvements
According to his resignation statement, under his leadership, NIWA saw a dramatic drop in accidents and fatalities on Nigeria’s inland waterways — more than a 70% reduction was claimed. � Such improvements suggest a strong emphasis on safety protocols, enforcement, and perhaps public education on water transport risks.
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Welfare & Institutional Reforms
He reportedly improved staff welfare, demonstrating concern for the people within the agency. � His leadership was credited with prioritizing a culture of performance — seeking to transform NIWA into a more efficient, responsive institution.
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Public-Private Experience Leveraged
Oyebamiji’s background in both business and government appears to have influenced his management style. He brought financial discipline and operational rigor to NIWA, leveraging his prior experience as Finance Commissioner and in the private sector. �
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Political Backing & Support
Oyebamiji’s resignation also underscores his growing influence within the APC and his serious ambition for the Osun governorship.
Endorsements from Former Lawmakers: More than 50 former state and national legislators have publicly endorsed him. They describe him as a “round peg in a round hole,” signaling deep confidence in his capacity to lead. �
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Grassroots Support: Several ex-local government chairmen have appealed to key APC figures — notably Oyetola — to support Oyebamiji’s bid. These local leaders have formed a mobilization group called “Grassrooters for AMBO.” �
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Diaspora Backing: A group known as the AMBO Movement (UK) has pledged its financial and logistical support for his bid, highlighting his perceived grassroots appeal, integrity, and vision. �
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Political Risks and Challenges
While his resignation signals boldness, Oyebamiji’s journey to securing the APC ticket and ultimately winning governorship is not without risk:
Intra-Party Competition
The APC primary (scheduled for December 13) will be fiercely contested. Oyebamiji is one among at least 13 aspirants, and internal party dynamics, including zoning debates, could complicate his path. �
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Credibility & Performance Scrutiny
His tenure at NIWA may come under greater scrutiny now. Critics might question whether safety improvements are as deep-rooted or long-lasting as claimed, or whether institutional reforms will survive his exit.
Balancing Technocrat vs. Politician Identity
Oyebamiji’s strength lies in his technocratic background — banking, public finance, management. But translating that into electoral appeal requires a narrative that resonates with everyday voters in Osun State, especially around infrastructure, social services, and local development.
Zoning & Regional Politics
Though he is from Osun-West, there is ongoing debate within the APC about equitable zoning of the governorship ticket for 2026. � Some aspirants are likely to push hard on regional balance, and Oyebamiji will need to manage these fault lines carefully.
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Implications for Osun 2026
Oyebamiji’s emergence as a “full-time” gubernatorial aspirant carries several implications:
Strengthening His Narrative: With his NIWA experience, he can credibly pitch himself as a leader who blends governance, technical know-how, and public service.
APC Strategy: His resignation may shift APC’s internal calculus — party leaders might coalesce around him if they see him as a strong, competent, and electable candidate.
Policy Expectations: If he wins, voters will likely expect his administration to prioritize economic management, infrastructure (especially water transport and blue economy), and institutional reform.
Legacy at NIWA: His departure leaves a legacy that his successor must uphold (or risk undoing). The reforms and gains he touted will now be part of his political pitch, but they also become benchmarks for continuity or critique.
Conclusion
Bola Oyebamiji’s resignation as NIWA MD is more than a procedural step to obey electoral rules — it is a deliberate, strategic recalibration of his political trajectory. By leaving his federal appointment, he is placing all his political capital on Osun State, betting on his experience, track record, and support base to carry him through a tough APC primary and beyond.
Whether Oyebamiji will translate his technocratic success into electoral victory remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: his resignation marks the formal beginning of a serious, full-throttle campaign for the Osun 2026 governorship — and his next moves will be closely watched by both supporters and rivals.