Senator Iyiola Omisore, former national secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has officially joined the race for the 2026 Osun State governorship election, attracting strong backing from his kinsmen in Ile-Ife.
The development is seen as a major setback for Governor Ademola Adeleke, whose re-election bid may now face stiff resistance from the resurgent APC bloc in the state.
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Hon. Bukola Ojuade, speaking on behalf of the Ile-Ife political family, described Omisore as the kind of leader Osun State needs to chart a new path in 2026.
His words: “Omisore’s ambition is not just his—it is the hope of thousands across the 30 local government areas and the Area Office.
“He is competent, compassionate, and visionary. The APC should give him the ticket.”
Ojuade made reference to Omisore’s experience as deputy governor and lawmaker, saying his record in sponsoring impactful bills and projects speaks volumes of his leadership qualities.
“When he served as the scribe of the APC, Omisore helped build party structures across Nigeria, leading to the party’s victory in the 2023 elections,” he added.
He argued that Omisore remains the most popular among current aspirants and that his emergence as the APC flagbearer would spell doom for the PDP-led administration in the state.
“If Omisore emerges as the flagbearer, game over for the PDP. He is more qualified and better prepared to lead Osun into the future,” Ojuade said.
The endorsement adds momentum to Omisore’s return to frontline Osun politics, as APC loyalists weigh their options ahead of a potentially fierce contest in 2026.