In a vibrant display of political strategy and leadership, Senator Iyiola Omisore, the immediate past National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a leading gubernatorial aspirant in Osun State, has called on his supporters to foster unity and build robust relationships within the party as the APC prepares for its primary election in November 2025. Speaking at his campaign office in Osogbo, the state capital, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, Senator Omisore emphasized the importance of inclusivity and camaraderie in securing the party’s nomination and ultimately winning the 2026 governorship election.
The event, attended by over 250 former members of the Local Government Education Authority Board who served during the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, was a strategic gathering aimed at galvanizing grassroots support for Omisore’s gubernatorial ambition. The senator, a seasoned politician with a track record of public service, urged his supporters to return to their respective wards and engage with party members across all levels, irrespective of age, status, or factional affiliations.
“Our party primary will hold in November. When you get back home, let’s start working with the people ahead of the primary. Let’s make friendship across the board; don’t look at age or status—everyone in the party matters,” Omisore declared, his voice resonating with conviction. “Two wrongs cannot make a right. Let’s win people over to our side and work with them. After the party primary, we are going to the general elections.”
The senator’s message was clear: unity and collaboration are critical to securing the APC’s ticket and ensuring a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election. He also encouraged his supporters to participate actively in the ongoing voter registration exercise at the local government level, emphasizing the importance of mobilizing voters to strengthen the party’s base.
A Call for Unity in a Competitive Political Landscape
Senator Omisore’s remarks come at a pivotal moment in Osun State’s political landscape. The APC, which lost the governorship to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2022 election, is determined to reclaim the Osun Government House in 2026. The party’s primary election, scheduled for November 2025, is expected to be a fiercely contested affair, with several prominent figures vying for the APC’s gubernatorial ticket. Omisore, a political heavyweight with a long history of leadership within the APC, is positioning himself as a unifying figure capable of bridging divides within the party and appealing to a broad electorate.
Osun State, located in Nigeria’s South-West geopolitical zone, is a politically vibrant state with a history of competitive elections. The APC’s loss in 2022 to the PDP’s Governor Ademola Adeleke was a significant setback for the party, which had governed the state from 2010 to 2022 under the administrations of Governors Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola. The defeat sparked intense introspection within the APC, with party leaders acknowledging the need for unity, strategic planning, and grassroots mobilization to regain control of the state.
Senator Omisore’s call for unity is particularly significant given the factionalism that has plagued the APC in Osun State in recent years. Internal divisions, particularly between loyalists of former Governor Aregbesola and those aligned with Oyetola, have weakened the party’s cohesion. Omisore, who has maintained a neutral stance in these intra-party conflicts, is leveraging his experience as a former National Secretary to rally diverse factions under a common goal: returning the APC to power in Osun.
Engaging Grassroots Support
The choice of audience for Omisore’s address—former members of the Local Government Education Authority Board—was strategic. These individuals, who served during Oyetola’s administration, are influential at the grassroots level and have deep ties to their communities. By engaging them directly, Omisore is signaling his commitment to building a campaign rooted in grassroots support, a critical factor in winning both the party primary and the general election.
The Local Government Education Authority Board members, drawn from across Osun’s 30 local government areas, are well-positioned to mobilize voters and influence opinion at the ward level. Their role during Oyetola’s tenure involved overseeing educational policies and programs at the local level, giving them firsthand experience in community engagement and governance. Omisore’s decision to meet with this group underscores his understanding of the importance of local leadership in driving political success.
In his address, Omisore emphasized the need for his supporters to build bridges with other party members, even those who may support rival aspirants in the primary. “Don’t make enemies with anyone in the party,” he urged, highlighting the importance of maintaining cordial relationships to ensure a united front after the primary. This approach reflects Omisore’s reputation as a consensus builder, a skill he honed during his tenure as APC National Secretary, where he played a key role in managing party affairs at the national level.
A Vision for Osun’s Future
Beyond his call for unity, Senator Omisore used the occasion to outline his vision for Osun State. While he did not delve into specific policy proposals during the meeting, his remarks suggested a commitment to addressing the challenges facing the state under the current PDP administration. Supporters at the event echoed this sentiment, expressing dissatisfaction with the state of governance in Osun since the APC’s defeat in 2022.
Speaking on behalf of the 250 attendees, Dr. Victor Olaniyi, former Chairman of the Central Working Committee of the Local Government Education Authority Board, articulated the group’s resolve to support Omisore’s candidacy. “We listened to all the discussions with great attention, and we have agreed to go and work for the party in our different locations,” Olaniyi stated. “What we have been experiencing since we left office leaves much to be desired in Osun. There is no effective government in Osun State for now.”
Olaniyi’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among APC loyalists in Osun, who believe that the PDP administration has failed to deliver on its promises. Issues such as infrastructure decay, unemployment, and inadequate social services have been cited as areas where the current government has fallen short. Olaniyi expressed confidence that with Omisore as the APC’s flag bearer, the party could capitalize on these perceived failures to regain control of the state.
“When we return, we will correct all the wrongdoings. We are going to move Osun forward,” Olaniyi declared. “With President Bola Tinubu’s support and the party’s structure in place, the APC will ensure that Osun is transformed into a better place.”
The mention of President Bola Tinubu, who assumed office in 2023, underscores the national dimension of Omisore’s campaign. As a prominent APC leader, Tinubu’s influence within the party remains significant, and his support could prove decisive in the Osun primary. Omisore’s alignment with Tinubu’s political machinery positions him as a formidable contender, capable of leveraging national resources and networks to bolster his campaign.
The Role of Key Allies
The event also featured remarks from Hon. Folorunso Bamisayemi, a former Commissioner for Education in Osun State and a key APC chieftain. Bamisayemi, who served under Oyetola’s administration, urged the former board members to throw their full weight behind Omisore’s candidacy. “Give full support to Senator Omisore to emerge as the party’s candidate and win with a landslide victory in the 2026 governorship election,” he said.
Bamisayemi’s endorsement is significant, as it signals the coalescing of support from key figures within the Oyetola camp. The former commissioner’s involvement in Omisore’s campaign suggests that the senator is successfully building a broad coalition that transcends factional lines. This coalition will be crucial in navigating the complex dynamics of the APC primary, where aspirants must contend with competing interests and loyalties within the party.
Bamisayemi’s call for a “landslide victory” also reflects the APC’s broader strategy in Osun: to present a united and formidable front in the general election. The party’s leadership is keenly aware that a fragmented primary could weaken its chances against the PDP, which is expected to field Governor Adeleke or another strong candidate in 2026. By rallying behind a candidate like Omisore, who commands respect across different factions, the APC hopes to avoid the pitfalls of disunity that contributed to its 2022 defeat.
The Broader Context of Osun’s 2026 Election
The 2026 governorship election in Osun State is shaping up to be a high-stakes contest, with significant implications for both the APC and the PDP. For the APC, reclaiming Osun is not only a matter of state-level politics but also a test of the party’s strength in the South-West, a region where it has historically enjoyed strong support. A victory in Osun would bolster the APC’s regional dominance and strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For Omisore, the path to the APC nomination is fraught with challenges. Other aspirants, including former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, who is rumored to be considering a return bid, and other prominent party leaders, are likely to contest the primary. Omisore’s ability to consolidate support across factions, mobilize grassroots voters, and present a compelling vision for Osun’s future will be critical to his success.
The senator’s political journey adds further weight to his candidacy. A former Deputy Governor of Osun State (2007–2010) and a two-term senator representing Osun East (2003–2011), Omisore brings a wealth of experience to the table. His tenure as APC National Secretary (2014–2018) further enhanced his stature within the party, giving him a deep understanding of its internal dynamics and access to influential networks. These credentials make him a formidable contender, but they also place him under intense scrutiny as voters and party members assess his ability to deliver on his promises.
Challenges and Opportunities for Omisore’s Campaign
While Omisore’s campaign is gaining momentum, it faces several challenges. The first is the need to unify a fractured APC. The lingering tensions between the Aregbesola and Oyetola factions, compounded by the emergence of other aspirants, could complicate Omisore’s efforts to secure the nomination. His call for unity is a strategic move to address this challenge, but it remains to be seen whether he can win over skeptical party members who may be loyal to other candidates.
Another challenge is the PDP’s incumbency advantage. Governor Adeleke, who has been in office since 2022, has implemented several populist policies aimed at consolidating his base. While the APC has criticized the PDP’s governance record, Adeleke’s administration has made efforts to address infrastructure, education, and healthcare, which could resonate with voters. Omisore and the APC will need to articulate a clear and compelling alternative vision to sway undecided voters.
On the opportunity front, Omisore’s campaign can capitalize on the APC’s strong organizational structure in Osun. The party’s extensive network of local leaders, combined with the support of national figures like President Tinubu, gives Omisore a solid foundation to build upon. Additionally, the dissatisfaction expressed by supporters like Dr. Olaniyi suggests that there is fertile ground for the APC to exploit public discontent with the PDP’s performance.
The ongoing voter registration exercise, which Omisore urged his supporters to participate in, presents another opportunity. By mobilizing new voters and ensuring that APC supporters are registered, Omisore’s campaign can expand its electoral base and increase its chances of success in both the primary and the general election.
The Road Ahead
As the APC primary approaches, Senator Omisore’s campaign is entering a critical phase. The next few weeks will be crucial for building momentum, consolidating support, and refining his message to resonate with both party members and the broader electorate. His emphasis on unity, grassroots engagement, and voter mobilization reflects a strategic approach to navigating the complexities of Osun’s political terrain.
The meeting in Osogbo marks the beginning of an intensive campaign season for Omisore and the APC. With the primary election just two months away, the senator’s ability to maintain discipline among his supporters, avoid intra-party conflicts, and present a compelling vision for Osun’s future will determine his success.
For the people of Osun State, the 2026 governorship election represents a chance to shape the state’s trajectory for the next four years. Issues such as economic development, education, healthcare, and infrastructure will likely dominate the campaign discourse. Omisore’s experience and political acumen position him as a strong contender, but the road to the Osun Government House is long and fraught with challenges.
As Dr. Olaniyi and other supporters return to their wards to begin the work of mobilization, the APC’s prospects in Osun are beginning to take shape. With Senator Omisore at the forefront, the party is banking on a message of unity, competence, and transformation to reclaim the state and deliver on its promise of a better future for all Osun residents.
