Former Deputy Governor of Osun State and immediate past National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, has officially joined the race for the 2026 governorship election. He became the first aspirant to purchase the party’s ₦50 million Nomination and Expression of Interest forms.
The development, confirmed by the APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Duru, signals the beginning of what is expected to be a heated contest for the party’s ticket.
“Yes, it’s true. Senator Omisore was indeed the first aspirant to pick the forms,” Duru told The PUNCH on Thursday.
Omisore, who arrived at the APC national secretariat in Abuja accompanied by a large group of jubilant supporters clad in branded attires, said his decision to contest stemmed from a desire to serve and rebuild Osun State.
“This is not about personal ambition; it’s about responsibility, a responsibility to rebuild our state, restore trust in leadership, and chart a new path toward a prosperous Osun,” Omisore declared after obtaining his forms.
His move comes as political activities in Osun intensify ahead of the 2026 polls. The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is also preparing for what promises to be a tough re-election battle.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking a second term, has dismissed fears that internal disagreements within the PDP could hurt his campaign. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke described the party’s internal issues as “a family affair” and urged unity among members.
“We are cruising to victory next year. Our focus remains on rebuilding the party for another landslide win,” the governor said.
According to the APC’s official timetable released in August, the party’s Osun governorship primary will take place on December 13, 2025, ahead of the main election on August 8, 2026.
The statement signed by the National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, stated that only members whose names are on the party’s register and who have paid their dues up to February 2025 will be eligible to vote and be voted for.
The sale of forms commenced on November 12, 2025, with completed forms and delegate lists expected to be submitted by December 1, 2025.
With Omisore’s early declaration setting the tone, the race for the APC governorship ticket in Osun is already heating up, promising an eventful political season ahead.
Advertisement
