By Peter Omopo
Osogbo, September 23, 2025 — Osun State’s political landscape has been jolted as former Deputy Governor and ex-National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, has officially declared his intention to run for governor in the 2026 governorship election.
His declaration is being described by analysts as a game changer, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the fiercest political battles in the state’s history, with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) now facing a formidable challenger.
A Campaign Blitzkrieg Across Osun
Since announcing his ambition, Omisore has unleashed a vigorous campaign across Osun State. From Ife to Ilesa, Ikirun to Ede, and deep into rural communities, his mobilization has been swift and strategic — described by observers as a blitzkrieg never before witnessed in Osun politics.
Billboards carrying his image and campaign slogans dominate major highways, while town hall meetings, consultations with traditional rulers, and grassroots engagements with youth and women groups are ongoing with military-like precision.
“This is not about staying relevant; Omisore is fully back in the race, and he is determined to win,” said political analyst Akinwale Adeoti in Osogbo.
Adeleke’s Calculated Silence
So far, Governor Adeleke has maintained silence in the face of Omisore’s declaration. Insiders believe this is a calculated strategy to avoid amplifying his rival’s momentum, but political watchers insist that the PDP is keenly watching Omisore’s every move.
“Governor Adeleke is popular, but Omisore’s entry changes the dynamics. He is a strategist with grassroots depth and national reach. This contest will not be business as usual,” said an APC stalwart in Iwo.
Omisore’s National Pedigree
Omisore’s credentials reinforce why his candidacy is being treated as a turning point:
- Deputy Governor of Osun State (1999–2003).
- Senator for Osun East (2003–2011), where he chaired the powerful Appropriation Committee.
- Governorship candidate in 2014, finishing runner-up in a tightly contested race.
- National Secretary of the APC (2022–2023), granting him access to Nigeria’s political elite.
- Widely respected as a political mobilizer, negotiator, and strategist across the South-West.
This unique blend of grassroots influence and national pedigree has positioned Omisore as a formidable contender who could significantly alter Osun’s political trajectory.
Reshaping Osun’s Political Map
As 2026 draws near, Omisore’s declaration has electrified the state’s political atmosphere. His supporters view him as the seasoned alternative to Adeleke’s populist leadership, while even PDP insiders quietly acknowledge that his ambition cannot be dismissed.
One party chieftain told Arewa PUNCH: “Senator Omisore’s silence over the years was not weakness — it was preparation. The PDP must be ready.”
For now, Osun braces for what promises to be a titantic clash between Adeleke, the incumbent crowd-puller, and Omisore, the returning strategist. Political watchers agree: with Omisore’s entry, the 2026 governorship race has truly become a game changer.
