I’ll Win 90% of APC Votes” — Omisore Boasts Ahead of Osun Primary

The immediate past National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, has formally declared his intention to contest for the party’s governorship ticket in Osun State. Speaking in Osogbo on Tuesday, Omisore expressed strong optimism about his chances, declaring that over 90 per cent of party members across the state were backing his ambition.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 8, 2026, while political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between November 24 and December 15, 2025. Omisore, who previously served as deputy governor under Chief Bisi Akande, said his experience and long-standing relationship with the people of Osun positioned him as the leading candidate to secure the APC ticket.

“I am expecting the people of Osun State to vote overwhelmingly for All Progressives Congress come August 8, 2026,” he said. “We are ready and prepared to ensure that I emerge as the party’s candidate and deliver victory to APC in the general election. If the primaries were held today, I am confident of winning more than 90 per cent of the votes.”

Plans for Development and Renewed Governance

When asked what Osun residents should expect if elected governor, Omisore promised a governance style defined by maturity, inclusiveness, and focus on key development areas. He pledged to prioritise education, agriculture, rural development, infrastructural renewal, and capital investment, assuring citizens that his administration would pursue policies based on fairness and integrity.

The former senator, who represented Osun East between 2003 and 2011, said his aspiration was driven by a “rescue mission” to restore confidence in governance and revive the All Progressives Congress ’s popularity across the state. “This is beyond politics,” he added. “It’s about strengthening public faith in the coming APC government that will work for every Osun citizen.”

Currently, no fewer than 12 aspirants have declared interest in the APC ticket, including the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji; former Senate Committee Chairman, Babajide Omoworare; Dotun Babayemi, son of the late Olufi of Gbongan; former Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi; Akin Ogunbiyi, Chairman of Mutual Assurance Benefits; and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kunle Adegoke.

APC Moves to Curb Internal Tensions Ahead of Primaries

As the number of governorship aspirants continues to grow, tensions have been rising within the Osun APC, particularly among supporters engaging in heated exchanges on social media. The situation prompted the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party to issue a stern warning aimed at maintaining discipline and unity ahead of the primaries.

In a statement signed by the APC spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, and obtained in Osogbo on Thursday, the committee expressed concern over “verbal attacks and public confrontations” among supporters of different aspirants. To forestall possible divisions, the SWC barred all executive officers at every level — from state to ward — as well as reinstated local government chairmen and councillors from serving as coordinators for any aspirant.

The statement emphasized the party’s commitment to a transparent and peaceful primary process. “The APC remains a disciplined and progressive institution,” the statement read. “Any member found engaging in conduct that undermines party unity will face disciplinary action.”

With months to the party primaries, Senator Omisore’s declaration has further energized the political atmosphere in Osun. While he maintains strong confidence in securing the ticket, the challenge will lie in navigating the complex internal dynamics of the APC, balancing ambition with party cohesion, and convincing voters that his return to governance will usher in renewed progress for the state.