Omisore declares for Osun governorship, boasts of 90% support within APC

Former Deputy Governor of Osun State and immediate past National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has declared his intention to contest the 2026 governorship election, expressing strong confidence that he will secure the party’s ticket.

Speaking in Osogbo on Tuesday while addressing supporters at the APC State Secretariat, Omisore said he enjoys overwhelming backing among party members across the state, claiming that “more than 90 per cent” of members would vote for him during the primaries.

“If we go to the primaries today, I will win more than 90 per cent,” Omisore said confidently. “By God’s grace, I shall emerge and deliver the APC government by next year August.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed August 8, 2026, for the Osun governorship election, with party primaries expected to hold between November 24 and December 15, 2025.

Omisore, who represented Osun East in the Senate from 2003 to 2011, said his candidacy would energise the party and strengthen the APC’s chances of reclaiming power in the state.

“I am expecting Osun State people to vote for APC en masse come August 8, 2026. This is to show the preparedness of core APC members and our readiness to ensure that I become the party’s candidate in December,” he said.

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The former lawmaker, flanked by party leaders and supporters, described his campaign as a “rescue mission” aimed at restoring faith in the APC and improving governance in the state.

“APC’s chance in 2026 is 100 per cent,” he declared.

“These are volunteers from all parts of the state, and what we are doing today is internal politics, preparation for the forthcoming primaries.”

When asked what residents should expect from his administration if elected, Omisore promised a government built on maturity, fairness, and development.

“People should look forward to maturity in governance, educational improvement, agricultural growth, rural development, structural adjustment of the state, capital development, and impartial policies,” he stated.

He added that his experience in both the executive and legislative arms of government had prepared him to deliver effective leadership.

Already, no fewer than 12 aspirants have expressed interest in the APC governorship ticket. They include the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji; former Senate Committee Chairman on Rules and Business, Senator Babajide Omoworare; lawyer Dotun Babayemi; former Osun Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi; Mutual Assurance Benefits Chairman Akin Ogunbiyi; and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kunle Adegoke.

The contest has reportedly triggered intense political debates and social media rivalry among supporters of the various aspirants, with many engaging in verbal exchanges to promote or discredit opponents.

Worried by the rising tension among supporters, the Osun APC State Working Committee (SWC) has issued a stern warning to party officials and members against divisive conduct ahead of the primaries.

In a statement signed by the party’s spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, and obtained in Osogbo on Thursday, the SWC said it had observed with dismay that some supporters of governorship aspirants were launching attacks on fellow members and party leaders.

“To this extent, the State Working Committee of the APC has resolved to instil discipline among erring members by instantly outlawing any executive officer of the party, at the state, senatorial, local government, or ward level from acting as a coordinator for any governorship aspirant,” the statement partly read.

The party leadership urged all aspirants to caution their followers and conduct their campaigns within the boundaries of decorum and internal party regulations, assuring that the primaries would be transparent and fair to all.