APC’s Omisore Declares for Osun 2026, Vows to Lead ‘Rescue Mission’

A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, has officially announced his intention to contest the 2026 governorship election in Osun State. The former deputy governor made the declaration via his X handle on Saturday, confirming that his formal public announcement will take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Osun APC Secretariat in Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo.

The event, themed “Fix the Broken, Restore Our Dreams,” is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. and is expected to draw party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters from across the state. In his post, Omisore stated that his decision followed “deep reflection and wide consultations” and expressed confidence that his candidacy represents a fresh opportunity to rebuild Osun’s socio-economic foundations.

“My beloved people of Osun State, after deep reflection and wide consultations, I have decided to formally declare my intention to contest for the Governor of Osun State in 2026 under our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he wrote.

A Call for Collective Action and Renewed Hope

Omisore emphasized that his campaign would focus on restoring hope, strengthening governance, and delivering a brighter future for the people of Osun. He called on residents to join what he described as a “collective mission” to reposition the state for growth and inclusivity.

“This is not just my mission, it is a collective one. I humbly invite you to join me as we take this bold step towards the Osun Rescue Mission 2026,” he said, adding that his agenda would prioritize effective governance, youth empowerment, infrastructural renewal, and economic reform.

Political observers have noted that Omisore’s re-emergence on the governorship stage could significantly shape the APC’s internal dynamics, given his long-standing influence in Osun politics and his experience in both the executive and legislative arms of government.

Omisore :A Seasoned Politician with a Varied Political Journey

Senator Omisore’s political career spans over two decades and several party affiliations. He first served as Osun’s deputy governor from 1999 to 2003 under the Alliance for Democracy (AD), before representing Osun East in the Senate from 2003 to 2011, where he chaired the Appropriations Committee.

In 2014, he ran for governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but was defeated by Rauf Aregbesola of the APC. Omisore later joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), under which he contested the 2018 election. In 2021, he formally joined the APC and rose rapidly within its ranks, emerging as National Secretary at the party’s national convention after his major contender stepped down.

With his return to the Osun political arena under the APC, analysts expect a competitive contest for the party’s ticket ahead of the 2026 election, as Omisore positions himself among the leading aspirants in what promises to be a keenly contested race.