Omisore Unveils Governorship Ambition for Osun 2026: ‘Fix the Broken, Restore Our Dreams’ Ushers in Intense APC Primary Race
In a major turn in Osun State politics, Senator Iyiola Omisore, a former Deputy Governor and ex-National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has officially declared his intention to run for the 2026 governorship under the APC banner. His announcement, made via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, was accompanied by the launch of a campaign declaration set for Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the APC Secretariat in Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo.
Titled “Fix the Broken, Restore Our Dreams – The Osun Rescue Mission 2026,” Omisore’s campaign is anchored on themes of revitalizing governance, restoring public confidence, and delivering better outcomes for citizens of Osun State. The move follows weeks of speculation, grassroots mobilization, and subtle political maneuvering within the APC in Osun.
Key Highlights from Omisore’s Declaration & Ground Game
Grassroots Consultations & Stakeholder Engagement: Omisore has emphasized a process centered on consultation with party faithfuls, elders, and key stakeholders across Osun State. He insists on consensus-building rather than a winner-take-all primary to avoid internal fragmentation.
Branding and Campaign Infrastructure: Omisore has already begun mobilization, reactivating his old campaign office at Ogo-Oluwa in Osogbo, complete with posters, billboards, and APC party flags. His youth structure (Omisore Youths Solidarity Forum – OYSF) is also active.
Critique of Current Administration & Zoning Debate: He has raised concerns over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s leadership, particularly pointing to what he describes as numerous unfinished projects and a lack of direction. On zoning, he argues that Osun East has produced the fewest governors and thereby deserves a fair consideration under any zoning principle – though he emphasizes competency over strictly adhering to geo-political rotation.
Political Context & Challenges
Rival Aspirants: Omisore’s entry into the race does not come without competition. As per reports, other APC aspirants such as Bola Oyebamiji (NIWA MD), Senators Babajide Omoworare, Mudashiru Hussain, Ajibola Basiru, and other notable figures, have already declared or shown interest. The contest is shaping up to be hotly contested.
Endorsements & Intra-Party Dynamics: Some factions within APC are pushing for Omisore as a consensus candidate. Hon. Jamiu Olawumi, a former adviser to Gov. Oyetola, has urged stakeholders to rally behind Omisore as the strongest option to unseat the current PDP administration. At the same time, there has been endorsements for other aspirants, e.g. the NIWA boss Oyebamiji, by groups including Omisore’s own kinsmen and the Oyetola Consultative Forum.
Oyetola’s Neutrality: Adegboyega Oyetola, the former governor and current Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, has declared he is not interested in contesting the governorship ticket. He has instead called on all aspirants to conduct themselves properly, avoid mudslinging, and rally behind whoever eventually emerges as the APC candidate.
Implications for APC and the 2026 Election Landscape in Osun
APC’s Renewed Focus on Winning: Omisore has made clear that the APC is not merely looking to participate but to win in 2026. That sets a higher bar for strategy, candidate selection, and campaign cohesion.
Risk of Factionalism: With many aspirants and competing interests, APC needs to balance internal competition with unity. Omisore’s insistence on consensus and stakeholder alignment signals awareness of that risk. The effectiveness of this approach will likely influence APC’s electoral performance.
Voter Sentiment & Governance Record: Omisore’s critique of incomplete projects under the Adeleke administration suggests a campaign strategy oriented toward performance accountability. Voters’ perception on deliverables, public service, infrastructure, etc., will likely become major issues.
Zoning as a Strategic Factor: The question of whether the governorship ticket rotates among the senatorial districts remains contentious. Omisore’s argument that Osun East has been underrepresented could resonate, but balancing this with party loyalty, strength of candidates, and electoral viability will matter.
What to Watch Next
1. Formal Declaration (Oct 7, 2025): The date when Omisore will formally present himself will be a defining moment—who attends, what endorsements are made public, how the media frames it.
2. APC Primaries & Consensus Negotiations: Whether APC will go for a full primary, or attempt to settle on a consensus candidate to avoid fracturing, especially between aspirants with strong followings.
3. Reaction from PDP & Governor Adeleke: How the incumbent party and governor respond to Omisore’s campaign; whether Adeleke will double down on turf control or attempt coalition-building or defections.
4. Grassroots Mobilization: How effectively Omisore and his team translate the early infrastructure, branding, and youth engagement into real support in local government areas.
5. Media & Social Media Narratives: Both positive and negative stories—OmIsore’s record, controversies, criticism (for example, some reactions to his previous political moves) will likely be amplified.
Conclusion
Senator Iyiola Omisore’s formal bid for the Osun State governorship in 2026 marks both a turning point and a strategic gamble for the APC in the state. By branding his campaign “Fix the Broken, Restore Our Dreams,” he stakes his claim on performance, order, and renewal. With strong competition, complex internal dynamics, and high voter expectations, the race promises to be a defining one—not just for Omisore, but for APC’s future in Osun State. This campaign’s success will hinge on unity, credibility, and the capacity to deliver a compelling narrative that resonates across senatorial districts.
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