Osun Governorship Battle Begins as Omisore Officially Joins APC Contest

Former Deputy Governor of Osun State and immediate past National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, has become the first aspirant to obtain the party’s ₦50 million Nomination and Expression of Interest forms ahead of the 2026 governorship election. The development, confirmed on Thursday by the APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Duru, officially kicks off what is expected to be a competitive race for the ruling party’s ticket in Osun State.

Omisore Declares Intent, Says Move is About Responsibility

Senator Omisore arrived at the APC national secretariat in Abuja accompanied by a large crowd of supporters dressed in customised campaign attire. Addressing journalists after collecting his forms, he emphasised that his decision to contest was rooted in service and the desire to rebuild the state.

He stated that leadership at this time must focus on restoring public trust and redefining Osun’s development direction. “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,” he said.

Party insiders noted that Omisore’s early move may set the tone for an intense intra-party contest, especially as more aspirants are expected to join the race before the December 13, 2025 primary election.

Adeleke Camps Mobilise as PDP Prepares for Re-Election Battle

Meanwhile, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun is equally preparing for a fierce battle as Governor Ademola Adeleke seeks a second term. The governor recently dismissed concerns about internal disagreements within the party, describing them as normal and manageable.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke assured supporters that he remained confident of victory. He urged party members to stay united, insisting the PDP was “cruising to victory next year” and must continue working to secure another landslide win.

Political analysts observe that both parties are entering a period of intense mobilisation, with strategic alignments and factional negotiations expected to shape the months ahead.

APC Sets Timetable, Eligibility Rules for Osun 2026 Governorship Primary

Three months earlier, the APC unveiled guidelines and a timetable for the August 8, 2026 governorship election in Osun State. In a schedule released from the party’s national secretariat, the cost of the nomination forms was fixed at ₦50 million.

According to the National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, only members whose names appear on the party register and who have paid their dues consistently up to February 2025 will be eligible to vote or be voted for in the primaries. The sale of forms commenced on November 12, 2025, with completed forms and delegate lists expected to be submitted by December 1, 2025.

With Omisore’s declaration marking the first major move, the contest for the APC ticket is now gaining momentum, setting the stage for a politically charged build-up to the 2026 election year in Osun