Former Deputy Governor of Osun State and immediate past National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has become the first governorship aspirant to pick the APC’s ₦50 million Nomination and Expression of Interest forms ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.

The development, confirmed to Punch on Thursday by the party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Duru, marks the formal start of what is expected to be a fierce contest for the ruling party’s ticket.

“Yes, it is true. And you are also right about the observation that he was the first governorship aspirant to pick the nomination and expression of interest forms,” he said.

Omisore, who arrived at the APC national secretariat in Abuja with a crowd of jubilant supporters dressed in customised attire, said his decision to join the race was inspired by service and a commitment to rebuild Osun.

“This is not about ambition; it is about responsibility — a responsibility to rebuild our state, restore trust in leadership, and chart a new direction for a prosperous Osun,” the former deputy governor said after collecting his forms.

The move comes amid renewed political mobilisation in Osun, where the ruling Peoples Democratic Party is also gearing up for a fierce re-election battle.

(Punch)