Omisore Declares Intention To Contest Osun 2026 Governorship Election

Former deputy governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has officially announced his intention to contest the 2026 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His announcement, made on Saturday through his verified social media account, marks the beginning of what is expected to be a fiercely contested race in the southwest state.

Omisore, who previously served as the National Secretary of the APC, said his formal declaration ceremony will take place on October 7, 2025, at the party’s secretariat in Osogbo, the state capital. The event, themed “Fix the Broken, Restore Our Dreams,” is expected to draw major party stakeholders, political allies, and supporters across the state.

The former senator representing Osun East stated that his decision followed months of reflection and consultations with political leaders, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders. He expressed confidence that his experience and vision would help reposition Osun for stability and growth, describing his candidacy as part of a broader mission to rebuild trust in governance.

Omisore’s entry into the race immediately shifts the political atmosphere in Osun, where conversations about succession and party strategy are already heating up. His declaration comes at a time when the ruling APC is seeking to strengthen its hold on the state amid internal divisions and rising public expectations for improved governance.

Political Context And Early Reactions

Omisore’s political career spans over three decades, during which he has held various strategic positions in both state and national politics. He served as Osun’s deputy governor between 1999 and 2003 under the administration of Chief Bisi Akande and later represented Osun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

A seasoned engineer and politician, Omisore has remained a recurring figure in Osun’s political landscape, having contested for governor twice, first under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2014 and later under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 2018, before joining the APC in 2021. His return to the ruling party and subsequent appointment as APC National Secretary were seen as strategic moves that positioned him for a comeback at the state level.

Political observers believe his 2026 bid could reshape the APC’s internal dynamics, especially as other potential aspirants, including cabinet members and serving legislators, weigh their options. Party loyalists view Omisore’s declaration as a potential unifying step if handled with tact, given his deep political network and long-standing experience in public service.

However, analysts also warn that the path ahead will be challenging. The APC in Osun has been grappling with factional tensions since the last governorship election, where internal disagreements affected its overall performance. Omisore’s emergence may either consolidate the party or further deepen internal rifts, depending on how his candidacy is received by rival blocs within the APC.

What To Expect Ahead Of 2026

The 2026 governorship election is expected to be one of the most competitive in Osun’s recent history. With the PDP currently in control of the state under Governor Ademola Adeleke, the APC faces the task of regaining power through a strong candidate capable of reconnecting with grassroots voters.

Omisore’s campaign is expected to focus on governance reform, infrastructure renewal, and youth empowerment, issues that have defined Osun’s political debates in recent years. His slogan, “Fix the Broken, Restore Our Dreams,” signals an emphasis on rebuilding public trust and addressing the economic and administrative challenges facing the state.

As preparations intensify, political rallies, consultations, and alliances are expected to shape the months leading up to the APC primary. With Omisore’s declaration setting the tone, other contenders are likely to unveil their ambitions in the coming weeks, signaling the start of a competitive buildup to 2026.

For now, all eyes are on Osogbo, where Omisore’s formal declaration on October 7 will officially kick off a campaign that could redefine both his political legacy and the future direction of Osun State politics.