Why All Eyes Are On Omisore Ahead 2026 Osun Guber

In the unfolding permutations ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election, the name of Iyiola Omisore continues to resonate with unusual intensity, cutting across party lines and political tendencies in a manner that underscores his enduring influence in the state’s power equation.

A former deputy governor, senator, and immediate past national secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Omisore is widely regarded as one of the most experienced and resilient political actors in Osun.

His journey through multiple political platforms over the years has not diminished his relevance; rather, it has reinforced his reputation as a deft strategist with deep grassroots connections, particularly in Ile-Ife and across Osun East.

In the months leading up to the APC governorship primaries, Omisore was widely tipped as a leading contender for the party’s ticket.

Party insiders and observers alike “penned him down as one of the aspirants to beat,” given his pedigree and national standing within the party.

However, his sudden disqualification from the race — alongside other aspirants — altered the trajectory of the contest and triggered a crisis that has continued to reverberate within the party.

Omisore did not hide his displeasure.

He and other affected aspirants faulted the screening process, describing it as “skewed and unjust,” and alleging that it was designed to sideline certain contenders.

The development immediately exposed deep fissures within the Osun APC, with many party members warning that the fallout could have far-reaching implications for the party’s chances in 2026.

At the heart of the tension is a simmering rivalry between Omisore and Adegboyega Oyetola, the former governor of the state.

Omisore’s camp has openly accused Oyetola of influencing the screening outcome to favour a preferred candidate — an allegation that has been firmly denied by Oyetola’s allies but has nonetheless deepened divisions within the party.

The disagreement has since evolved into what many insiders describe as a “cold war,” splitting the APC into distinct camps and complicating reconciliation efforts.

For a party still grappling with the aftershocks of its 2022 electoral loss to Ademola Adeleke, the internal discord presents a familiar but dangerous pattern.

In a move that further escalated tensions, Omisore took the matter to court, challenging the legitimacy of the primary process.

The legal action has not only kept him firmly in the public conversation but has also sustained uncertainty around the party’s internal cohesion.

“The process must be fair and just to all,” a source close to the former senator said, echoing the broader sentiment among his supporters.

Despite the setback, Omisore’s political capital remains intact. His loyal base and long-standing networks within the APC have made him difficult to ignore, prompting party elders and stakeholders to initiate moves aimed at mending fences.

Several reconciliation efforts have reportedly been undertaken – including intervention by PresidentBolaTinubu that stopped the courtcase, a reflection of the recognition that his support could prove decisive in a tightly contested election.

For many within the APC, Omisore represents both a challenge and an opportunity.

His next move — whether it is reconciliation, resistance, or realignment — is widely seen as a potential game-changer.

“You cannot discuss APC’s chances in Osun without factoring in Omisore,” a party chieftain noted, capturing the prevailing mood within political circles.

With alignments still fluid and the election months away, Omisore holds significant strategic leverage.

His influence among grassroots supporters, combined with his experience and political reach, places him in a position where he could either help unify the party or exacerbate its divisions.

The uncertainty surrounding his political direction has, in turn, fueled intense speculation.

Will he close ranks with party leadership in the interest of victory? Will he continue his legal and political pushback? Or could he emerge as a wildcard capable of reshaping the contest entirely?

What is, however, clear for now is that Omisore remains central to the unfolding story of Osun’s 2026 governorship race.

His resilience, demonstrated over years of political contests and comebacks, makes it difficult to discount his role in what promises to be another fiercely contested election.

As one observer put it, “In Osun politics, Omisore is not just a participant — he is a factor.”