Osun 2026: Omisore is the Best Aspirant, says Ojuade

As the build-up to the 2026 governorship election in Osun State gathers momentum, a prominent APC stalwart, Hon. Bukola Ojuade, has described Senator Iyiola Omisore as the aspirant to beat in the unfolding contest.

Speaking in Ile-Ife on Friday, Ojuade noted that Omisore’s long-standing political structure, grassroots appeal, and experience in governance place him ahead of other contenders in the APC seeking the governorship seat.

He said, Omisore has proven to be a consistent force in Osun politics over the past two decades. His network across party lines and his capacity to mobilize at the grassroots cannot be underestimated. As things stand, he is clearly the aspirant to beat in 2026,” Ojuade said.

Ojuade cautioned stakeholders against undue interference that could undermine the democratic process. In particular, he urged former governor Adegboyega Oyetola, a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and minister to maintain a position of neutrality as the primary approaches.

“Oyetola remains an influential leader in Osun politics and within the APC structure. His neutrality will be critical in ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants in APC. Any perception of favoritism could create unnecessary divisions within the party,” Ojuade stressed.

He further called on party members and the electorate to prioritize competence, integrity, and capacity in their choice of candidates rather than sentiments or personal interests.

The APC leader noted that the race for the Osun governorship seat is expected to intensify in the coming months, with several aspirants across political divides already signaling their intentions.

He stressed that Omisore, a former Deputy Governor of Osun State and two-term Senator, is described by political observers as a figure whose blend of experience, technical expertise, and grassroots appeal could shape the outcome of the polls.

He noted that Omisore has paid his due to the political emergence of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola as President and Governor in a different political assignments he finds himself in the country and this is the time to support his bid for the APC ticket in Osun state ahead of 2026 governorship election”.

He said that, “Senator Omisore is a leading governorship aspirant of APC in Osun state and had paid his dues to the emergence of President Tinubu and former governor Oyetola in the past elections in the country”.

Ojuade said, “If we now go to the IOU aspect, it was the relationship between Senator Omisore and the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the late former President Muhammad Buhari that gave Asiwaju Tinubu the ticket of becoming the president of Nigeria during the 2023 general election”.

“So, he worked for the ticket which produced the sitting president Tinubu while serving as National Secretary of the APC”. And in 2018, it was Senator Iyiola Omisore who gave victory against Senator Ademola Adeleke to Mr. Gboyega Oyetola to become the governor of Osun State.

“If he had not joined APC, former governor Oyetola wouldn’t have been governor. But he weighed the two options. And he saw that Oyetola, is a preferred candidate who was fitted the office then. Omisore supported the votes Oyetola garnered in his Ife federal constituency that gave he (Oyetola) the victory in 2018 governorship election in Osun state”.

He noted further, “The situation we are finding ourselves in Osun State demands that a veteran who is capable and has capacity to contest the next governor of Osun State is needed.

“Omisore has remained the issue of Osun politics for 31 years. He started politics here in Osun in 1994. So, he has seen it all. He has the capacity and the connections.

“And there’s no politician in Osun State today who can claim IOU, or another politician in Osun and in Nigeria.

“During his time as Deputy Governor, Omisore was credited with laying foundations for infrastructure and administrative reforms. His subsequent years in the Senate saw him chairing key committees, engaging the budgetary process, and attracting federal projects to the state. His professional background as an engineer, supporters say, gives him an edge in evaluating and overseeing developmental projects.

“In a political landscape often dominated by aspirants with limited executive or legislative exposure, Omisore’s long track record is seen by analysts as a strong advantage. They argue that his networks within and outside Osun State could attract investment, forge federal partnerships, and drive large-scale development.

Ojuade added that beyond his résumé, Omisore’s loyal party affiliation and ability to balance grassroots mobilization with elite engagement are cited as reasons for his enduring relevance. “He is not just an aspirant, he is a tested leader who understands the dynamics of winning elections and governing effectively.”

Ojuade therefore, urged the party leaders in the state to conduct rancour free primary to produce the governorship candidate of APC for next year governorship poll in the state.