In a bold and ambitious move, Iyiola Omisore, a former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and erstwhile deputy governor of Osun State, has announced his candidacy for the Osun State governorship election slated for August 8, 2026. Speaking to journalists in Osogbo on Wednesday, Omisore expressed unwavering confidence in his ability to secure the APC ticket and lead the party to victory in the upcoming election. His declaration has sparked significant attention, as he emphasized his vision to bring structural adjustment and comprehensive development to Osun State, focusing on key sectors such as education, agriculture, and the economy. Omisore’s announcement, backed by a large turnout of supporters, underscores his strong political base and sets the stage for a highly competitive race within the APC and beyond.
Omisore’s decision to contest the governorship election comes as no surprise to political observers, given his extensive experience in Osun State’s political landscape. Having served as deputy governor and a key figure in the APC’s national structure, Omisore brings a wealth of administrative and political expertise to the table. During his interaction with the press, he articulated a clear agenda for Osun State, emphasizing the need for “matured governance” to address the state’s challenges. “Government is not a dancing matter, but a serious business that must be taken seriously by serious people,” Omisore stated, signaling his intent to approach governance with discipline and focus. His vision, he said, is to implement policies that would drive structural transformation, ensuring sustainable development across multiple sectors.
The former deputy governor expressed absolute confidence in the APC’s prospects for the 2026 election, boldly predicting a 100 percent chance of the party’s victory. He further asserted that, if the party primaries were held immediately, he would secure the APC ticket with a commanding 90 percent of the votes. “By God’s grace, I will emerge victorious and deliver the state for APC,” Omisore declared, exuding optimism about his candidacy and the party’s fortunes. This confidence is rooted in his belief that his track record and deep connection with the people of Osun State position him as the ideal candidate to lead the state forward.
The event in Osogbo was marked by a massive turnout of supporters, which Omisore interpreted as a clear indication of his widespread popularity and the strength of his campaign. He described the large crowd as a reflection of the “rescue mission” he is leading to secure the APC ticket in the party’s primaries scheduled for December 15. The enthusiastic support, he noted, demonstrates the trust that core APC members have in his leadership and their readiness to rally behind him during both the primaries and the governorship election. The gathering was a strategic show of force, aimed at sending a strong message to his rivals within the party and other political contenders in the state.
Omisore’s campaign is being spearheaded by Ajibola Famurewa, the Director-General of the Omisore Campaign Organization. Famurewa, a prominent figure within the APC, echoed Omisore’s sentiments, emphasizing the candidate’s unmatched experience and readiness to lead Osun State. “Governance is a serious business, and as a former deputy governor, Omisore is the most experienced among other good aspirants of the party to fly the ticket and deliver victory come next year,” Famurewa told the press. He highlighted Omisore’s proven track record, noting that his time as deputy governor equipped him with the insights and skills necessary to govern effectively. Famurewa also pointed out that the large crowd of supporters in attendance comprised APC members from all wards across Osun State, underscoring the grassroots momentum behind Omisore’s candidacy.
The choice of Osogbo, the state capital, as the venue for Omisore’s declaration was strategic. Osogbo is not only the political and administrative hub of Osun State but also a symbolic location for launching a governorship campaign. The event attracted party loyalists, community leaders, and ordinary citizens, all of whom came to show solidarity with Omisore’s ambition. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, as supporters chanted slogans and displayed banners in support of the former deputy governor. This public display of support was carefully orchestrated to project Omisore as the frontrunner in the APC’s internal race and to position him as a formidable contender in the broader electoral contest.
Omisore’s campaign is built on a promise to deliver transformative governance that prioritizes the needs of Osun State’s residents. He outlined key areas of focus, including education, agriculture, and economic development, which he believes are critical to the state’s progress. In education, Omisore aims to improve access to quality schooling, enhance teacher training, and modernize educational infrastructure to prepare Osun’s youth for the demands of the 21st century. In agriculture, he envisions policies that would boost productivity, support farmers, and promote food security, leveraging Osun’s rich agricultural potential. On the economic front, Omisore plans to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, attract investments, and generate employment opportunities for the state’s growing population.
The former deputy governor’s emphasis on “matured governance” suggests a leadership style that is pragmatic, inclusive, and forward-thinking. He stressed that governance is not about populist gestures or superficial promises but about making tough decisions that yield long-term benefits for the people. This message resonates with many APC members who see Omisore as a steady hand capable of navigating the complexities of governing a state like Osun, which has faced challenges ranging from economic stagnation to infrastructural deficits. By positioning himself as a serious and experienced leader, Omisore is appealing to voters who are eager for a governor who can deliver tangible results.
The road to the APC ticket, however, is not without challenges. The party’s primaries are expected to be fiercely contested, with other aspirants vying for the same opportunity. Omisore’s confidence in securing 90 percent of the votes in the primaries reflects his belief in his strong support base, but it also sets a high bar for his campaign team to deliver. The primaries will test his ability to consolidate support within the APC, particularly among party delegates who will play a decisive role in selecting the candidate. Omisore’s team, led by Famurewa, is already mobilizing across the state’s wards to ensure that their candidate emerges victorious.
Beyond the primaries, the 2026 governorship election itself promises to be a high-stakes battle. Osun State has a history of competitive elections, with the APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) often trading victories. Omisore’s declaration signals the beginning of what is likely to be an intense campaign season, as both parties and their candidates vie for the support of Osun’s electorate. The large turnout at Omisore’s event suggests that he has a solid foundation to build on, but sustaining that momentum will require strategic planning, effective communication, and robust grassroots engagement.
In addition to his policy agenda, Omisore’s campaign is likely to leverage his political pedigree and connections within the APC. As a former National Secretary, he has built relationships with party leaders at both the state and national levels, which could prove advantageous in securing the party’s nomination. His experience as deputy governor also gives him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Osun State, enabling him to craft a campaign message that resonates with voters. Moreover, his ability to draw a large crowd at his declaration event indicates that he enjoys significant goodwill among the party’s rank and file.
As the December 15 primaries approach, Omisore’s campaign will intensify its efforts to win over APC delegates and build a broad coalition of supporters. The campaign’s success will depend on its ability to maintain the enthusiasm displayed in Osogbo and translate it into votes at the primaries. If Omisore secures the APC ticket, his next challenge will be to unite the party behind him and mount a formidable campaign against the PDP and other contenders in the governorship election. With his experience, confidence, and grassroots support, Omisore is positioning himself as a leading contender in what promises to be a closely watched race.
In conclusion, Iyiola Omisore’s announcement to contest the 2026 Osun State governorship election has set the stage for a dynamic and competitive political contest. His vision for structural adjustment and development, coupled with his extensive experience and strong support base, makes him a formidable candidate within the APC. The large turnout of supporters at his declaration event underscores his popularity and the strength of his campaign. As the primaries and election draw closer, Omisore’s ability to sustain this momentum and deliver on his promises will determine whether he can lead Osun State to a new era of progress and prosperity.
