Otunba Iyiola Omisore, former Deputy Governor of Osun State and ex-National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has officially entered the race for the 2026 Osun State governorship election, positioning himself as a significant contender in the APC primary.
Though he has not formally declared his ambition, several political observers and supporters confirm his active involvement in pre-election manoeuvring. Hon. Bukola Ojuade, speaking on behalf of Omisore’s Ife-based political network, emphasized:
“Senator Omisore is the leader that Osun State deserves in 2026. His experience as Deputy Governor and national party strategist cannot be ignored,”(Toba Adedeji, The Nation report) .
Political analyst Gbenga Adeoye also warned against discounting Omisore’s ambition:
“Omisore remains a force within the APC and Osun politics. We cannot rule him out in the 2026 conversation,”(Osun Spring Report) .
APC Factional Tensions: Ife Claims Stronghold
Within APC circles in Osun State, strategic alignments are forming along senatorial and zonal lines. Reports from The Capital reveal that the Ife Zone—Omniore’s home base—is actively seeking candidacy rights for 2026, citing their long-standing case for fair regional zoning and justice .
With the withdrawal of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola from the APC race, the contest has intensified. Other aspirants jostling for the ticket include Senator Babajide Omoworare, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, engineer Bola Oyebamiji, and Omooba Dotun Babayemi, as political stakeholders await the outcome of internal primaries .
Political Significance of Omisore’s Entry
Senator Iyiola Omisore—a veteran politician with credentials as Deputy Governor (1999–2003) and former Senator for Osun East (2003–2011)—has built a considerable political structure in the Ife region and beyond. His entry is expected to reshape APC’s primaries and compel broader discourse about power rotation across Osun’s senatorial districts .
Some of his former supporters, notably the Omishore Youth Support Forum (OYSF), have recently realigned with the PDP, renaming themselves the Adeleke Youth Support Forum, signaling shifting loyalties outside APC .
Outlook Ahead of 2026 Primaries
Osun’s APC is now grappling with internal calls for equity, competence, and grassroots acceptability. Political stakeholders indicate that the Ife zone will push hard for power redistribution in the state. Whether Omisore will secure the party ticket or serve as kingmaker remains to be seen, but his influence is undeniable .
Governor Ademola Adeleke of the PDP has also publicly sought neutrality from President Tinubu in the upcoming off-cycle election, further intensifying the political spotlight in Osun State .
As the race gains momentum, analysts predict a highly competitive APC primary ahead of the 2026 poll, with regional zoning, candidate electability, and party unity at stake.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
