Fatimah Otunsanya
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 N50m Nomination and Expression of Interest forms ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.
The development, confirmed in a phone chat with the newsmen on Thursday by the party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi 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,” Duru 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.
Party insiders say Omisore’s early entry into the race could give him an advantage over the 13 other aspirants expected to join the contest.
Known for his deep political roots and grassroots network, the former lawmaker is widely seen as one of the major contenders for the APC ticket when the party’s primary holds on December 13, 2025.
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.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking a second term, recently dismissed fears that internal rifts within the PDP could affect his chances, insisting he remains “cruising to victory.”