The immediate past National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Iyiola Omisore, says that the party won’t be competing in the Osun 2026 Gubernatorial election to make up the numbers but to win it.

In a statement issued by his media office and signed by Jamiu Olawumi, Omisore announced that he has begun grassroots consultations throughout the state regarding his decision to run for the party’s governorship ticket.

The former Deputy Governor expressed his commitment to due process and consensus-building, which is why he has chosen to engage with party members during this consultation process. Senator Omisore emphasised that his final decision will be influenced by feedback from grassroots engagement and alignment with key stakeholders.

“This is not about ambition alone; it is about collective reasoning and strategy. Osun needs common sense now more than ever. We cannot afford to field a candidate who merely participates—we must present a candidate who can win, ” he stated.

In his words, former Commissioner for Education Hon. Folorunso Oladoyin Bamisayemi highlighted Senator Omisore’s significant role as the APC National Secretary. He emphasised how Omisore helped prevent internal conflicts within the party and played a crucial part in ensuring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged as the party’s 2023 presidential candidate.

“Senator Omisore’s base in Ife is one of the four largest voting blocs in Osun. His sustained financial and strategic support for the APC, including backing of reinstated local government officials across Osun,” he said.

However, Hon. Olanrewaju Balogun, Chairman of Ilesa East LGA, described the project as a unity agenda, saying with the successful engagements, Senator Omisore is set to continue consultations across the state in what many stakeholders are calling the beginning of a rescue mission for Osun State.