Some Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ife Federal Constituency have formally endorsed Senator Iyiola Omisore as their preferred candidate for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
The endorsement was made during a high-powered stakeholders’ meeting held on August 5, 2025, at the Oduduwa Estate country home of Senator Omisore in Ile-Ife.
The meeting drew political leaders and party chieftains from all four local governments of the Ife Federal Constituency — Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, and Ife South — including council chairmen, party executives, and current and former lawmakers.
Speaking at the meeting, Hon. Folorunso Bamisayemi, a former Commissioner for Education, highlighted the strategic advantage of zoning the APC ticket to Ife, citing recent high-profile defections and shifting political dynamics in Osun East.
In their own remarks, Hon. Jamiu Olawumi and several other speakers described Senator Omisore as the most prepared and electable candidate capable of defeating the PDP’s expected choice from Ede, Governor Ademola Adeleke.
A motion to adopt Omisore as the APC gubernatorial flagbearer from the constituency was moved by Hon. Tunji Owojori and seconded by Hon. Muritala from Ife East.
In his own words, Hon. Abimbola Ajilesoro, who recently defected from the PDP to APC, expressed full support for Omisore’s ambition, aligning himself fully with the leadership direction of the constituency.
Also speaking, Former Osun State Deputy Governor, Sooko Adeleke Adewoyin, described Omisore’s long-standing ambition as timely and assured of broad-based political backing across key platforms.
Responding to the endorsement, Senator Omisore officially declared his intention to contest in the 2026 governorship race.
He explained that, following the withdrawal of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, and after wide consultations, he had accepted the call to lead the party to victory in Osun.
Senator Omisore pledged to deliver purposeful leadership and restore good governance to the state under the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The meeting, attended by 491 stakeholders, ended with a unified commitment to support Senator Omisore as the flagbearer from Ife in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.