Otunba Iyiola Omisore, a former Deputy Governor of Osun State and ex-National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), officially declared his candidacy for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
The announcement, confirmed during a phone call with Daily Sun, has sparked significant interest, with Omisore gaining strong support from his kinsmen in Ile-Ife.
Speaking to journalists, Hon. Bukola Ojuade, representing the Ile-Ife political family, described Omisore as a “competent, compassionate, and visionary” leader, citing his experience as Deputy Governor (1999–2003) and a two-term Senator for Osun East (2003–2011).
“His ambition is the hope of thousands across the 30 local government areas and the Area Office,” Ojuade stated, emphasizing Omisore’s record of impactful legislation and community projects.
Omisore’s entry into the race intensifies the competition within the APC, where other aspirants, including NIWA Managing Director Bola Oyebamiji, Senators Babajide Omoworare, Mudashiru Hussain, Ajibola Basiru, and others, have also declared their interest.
Supporters believe Omisore’s prominence in Ile-Ife could secure significant votes for the APC, posing a challenge to incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid.
A seasoned politician and engineer, Omisore’s political journey includes serving as Deputy Governor under Governor Adebisi Akande and representing Osun East in the Senate, where he championed public-focused legislation and infrastructure development.
His tenure as APC National Secretary in 2022 further solidified his influence within the party.
The 2026 election is expected to be a fierce contest, with Omisore’s candidacy adding momentum to the APC’s strategy to reclaim Osun State.
