Osun 2026: Why Omisore Remains A Game Changer

With barely weeks to the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, former Deputy Governor and immediate past National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Iyiola Omisore, has once again emerged as one of the state’s most closely watched political figures, underlining his enduring influence despite not being on the ballot.

The renewed attention follows speculation over his political direction after some of his long-time associates defected to the Accord Party. However, Omisore moved swiftly to dismiss rumours that he was leaving the APC, insisting he remained committed to the party and would work for its victory in the forthcoming governorship election.

Political observers say the significance of Omisore lies less in official titles and more in his extensive grassroots network, particularly across Ifeland and Osun East Senatorial District, where he has remained a formidable political force for over two decades.

Having served as deputy governor between 1999 and 2003, represented Osun East in the Senate for two terms, and contested the governorship on different occasions, Omisore has built a loyal political structure that has repeatedly influenced electoral outcomes in the state.

Although the APC eventually nominated Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji as its governorship candidate, party leaders have consistently projected unity, identifying Omisore among key stakeholders expected to mobilise support ahead of the poll.

Speaking earlier this year, APC deputy governorship candidate Kayode Adereti said the party’s leaders in Ifeland, including Omisore, were united behind Oyebamiji’s candidacy.

“All our leaders from Senator Iyiola Omisore, Senator Omoworare, former deputy governor Sooko Adeleke Adewoyin and others are all in one accord,” Adereti said while expressing confidence in the APC’s chances.

More recently, Omisore’s campaign organisation also dismissed reports linking him with an exit from the APC, describing the claims as unfounded.

Speaking on behalf of the former senator, Director-General of the Omisore Campaign Group, Israel Famurewa, said: “Seeing is believing. Senator Omisore is here… We are planning together about how to win the next election.”

His continued relevance stems from a political career that has traversed multiple parties without significantly diminishing his local support base. Analysts note that even when he did not secure major elective offices, his endorsements, alliances and organisational strength often shaped political calculations in Osun.

The forthcoming election is expected to pit incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, now seeking re-election on the Accord Party platform, against APC candidate Oyebamiji, making coalition-building and voter mobilisation crucial to the outcome.

For the APC, maintaining cohesion among influential leaders such as Omisore could prove decisive in a contest expected to be fiercely competitive. Conversely, any shift in his political calculations would inevitably alter the dynamics of the race.

As campaigns intensify, one reality remains difficult to ignore: in Osun politics, Omisore continues to command attention beyond the office he currently holds.

Whether through his political structure, grassroots influence or ability to shape alliances, many observers believe he remains one of the personalities capable of affecting the direction of the 2026 governorship election.