Iyiola Omisore, former Deputy Governor, Senator and an unusual politician is a formidable aspirant in the forth-coming Osun State governorship election
Many people within and outside Osun, the South West state curiously called the State of Osun believe that Senator Iyiola Omisore is the contender to beat in the approaching governorship election in the state. His name can easily inspire respect and reverence, and the reasons are not far to seek. Omisore is without any doubt, the most visible and outstanding of all the hopefuls seeking to occupy the exalted office of the governor.
And for most political watchers of Osun politics, Omisore parades intimidating political, professional and academic credentials that are not only frightening but also very difficult to challenge.
At the age of 42, Omisore emerged deputy governor by popular vote in a region that places high premium on age, academic and personal achievements in the selection of political leaders. And for four solid years, he served under Chief Bisi Akande, an equally respected politician who was the governor. Their joint mandate which was secured under the Alliance for Democracy, AD was not only admirable but also provided robust leadership during those early stages of politics in a post military era.
Aside his extraordinary visibility as deputy governor, as number two citizens are barely seen, Omisore will also be remembered for his deep pocket and politics of inclusion. At that time, he carried along; supporters even at the risk of incurring the wrath of leaders of his party in the state and this increased his popularity rating. He also deployed huge finance and goodwill to his party until his relationship with AD went sour.
But Omisore is not a man who easily gives up on a fight, particularly when it has to do with politics and survival.
Once the hand writing became clear, he switched party and went ahead to do the impossible. He won an election while in prison custody, a feat that is uncommon even at the moment. Today, Omisore is regarded as one of the very few politicians who won an elective position while in solitary confinement. And this also attests to his popularity, not only as a grassroots man but also as an influential politician.
However, what is undeniable in this coming governoship election is the high stake. As the election date approaches, many people from the state are insisting on getting it right, first with selection of candidates to be on the ballot. Many who complain about the trauma of the last few years or so, hinge state failure and their frustrations on ineptitude and obvious lack of understanding of the issues and politics of Osun by the drivers.
There have been urgent calls from some stakeholders to get rid of the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke with his whimsical dancing that is embarrassing the indigenes of Osun State.
The adoption of Senator Iyiola Omisore as a consensus candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State’s 2026 gubernatorial election is gaining momentum and , no doubt , to bring in a seriousminded leader . Alhaji Jamiu Olawumi, a former aide to Governor Gboyega Oyetola, has urged APC stakeholders to rally behind Omisore, citing his vast experience and political track record as key factors that make him the ideal candidate to unseat incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke. Omisore’s credentials are impressive, having served as Deputy Governor of Osun State from 1999 to 2003 and a two-term senator, chairing the Senate Appropriations Committee. His influence extends beyond Osun State, with significant contributions to national development, particularly in the Southwest region ¹.
The push for Omisore’s adoption is not just about his individual capabilities but also about the strategic advantage he brings to the party. Over 300 APC ward chairmen and elected local government councilors in Osun State have pledged their support for Omisore, recognizing his ability to deliver victory for the party in the 2026 election. Omisore’s past contributions, such as his role in Gboyega Oyetola’s 2018 victory against Adeleke, demonstrate his value to the party. With his extensive experience and grassroots support, Omisore’s adoption as the consensus candidate could be a game-changer for the APC in Osun State, potentially paving the way for a successful gubernatorial campaign in 2026 .
Beyond that , critics of Governor Ademola Adeleke have raised several allegations against his administration. One major criticism is that he has spent over N6 billion on foreign trips since taking office in 2022, with N3.1 billion spent in the first half of 2025 alone. The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has questioned the credibility of these trips, citing a viral photograph that allegedly shows the governor in a casual setting with no signs of formal business engagements. Additionally, the APC has criticized Adeleke for his prolonged stay in the United States, urging him to return home and prioritize the governance of the state, particularly in addressing pressing issues like security and employment ¹.
Other allegations include claims of nepotism, with critics arguing that Adeleke’s administration has favored his hometown, Ede, in infrastructure development. For instance, Ede has reportedly received over 40km of quality road construction and rehabilitation, while other towns have not benefited equally. Critics have also accused Adeleke’s administration of lacking transparency and accountability, particularly in the management of funds. There are allegations of breaching procurement laws, with contracts reportedly awarded to political allies without proper bidding processes. Furthermore, the administration has faced criticism for its handling of local government autonomy and its defiance of court judgments .
Moreover, the coast is becoming clearer for APC .Governor Ademola Adeleke’s impending defeat in the 2026 Osun State governorship election seems increasingly likely, given the recent defection of key lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to other parties. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected Adeleke’s alleged attempt to defect, citing his administration’s “corruption and directionless governance” as reasons. APC’s Osun State Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, described Adeleke’s PDP as a “leprous house” deserted by credible politicians, further bolstering the party’s confidence in its 2026 victory. Lawal also accused Adeleke of seeking asylum in the APC to escape electoral defeat, highlighting alleged mismanagement of nearly N1 trillion in 30 months and other governance issues. With the APC’s strong stance and internal PDP crises, Adeleke’s reelection prospects appear increasingly uncertain .
The man with the exppected joker to nail the coffin of Adeleke’s defeat is believed to be on other person than Omisore . Even the garrulous Aregbesola is getting his better match in Omisore in spite of his rascality .
Evidently, Omisore is contemptuous of the former governor, Rauf Aregbesola and he has never hidden his contempt. He uses every opportunity at his disposal to draw attention to Aregbesola’s laxity and incompetence even with issues as mundane as re-branding the state. And like most people in Osun State who desperately want real change, Omisore believes strongly that Aregbesola brought untold hardship, corruption, inefficiency and avoidable bigotry to the state. And that the ugly trend can only be reversed by an enlightened and sophisticated leader who fully appreciates the complexities of leadership.
With certificates and unquestionable educational laurels across disciplines, Omisore strongly believes in his ability to deliver the goods and save Osun State from further embarrassment. And with a doctorial degree in infrastructure finance, the distinguished senator is already charting a new course and promoting a new branch of engineering known as ‘Project Management’. All these will definitely come to bear once he is given the opportunity to serve.
Few years ago, he shared his thoughts on the sinking ship of state in Osun State. Today, he insists that nothing has changed.
“We shared the daily experience of a people traumatised and fervently hopeful of beneficial change that democracy has promised to them. We were bold to reject financial recklessness, deform of our education sector, scams that deployed technology for profit rather than for learning, bastardised empowerment programmes that only deny opportunities to our young people, partnership that mean our artisans are jobless, significant capital flight from the Osun State economy and lack of transparency in public procurement process.
“We have been successful in raising the consciousness of every one in Osun State to these issues, enabling them to demand accountability that will enshrine good governance today and forever”.
But the former senator is not new to the benefits of accountability and good governance. As Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriation, one of the most influential committees in the senate, he worked with other senators on national budget reviews and allocation. That exercise increased national investments in infrastructure, economic and social development, in addition to providing civic interface and engagements in what later became “inclusive national budgeting initiative”.
He speaks eloquently and regularly too on his mission and vision for Osun State if elected governor come next year. First, he says he wants to heal and unite the troubled people of his state. According to him, Aregbesola brought so much acrimony and bad blood with his discriminatory education policy between Christians and Muslims. And the state, in his opinion, has not been the same again. He also seeks to bring development, improve infrastructure, create employment opportunities, return Osun to where it rightly belongs and harness the enormous human and natural resources of the state.
Previously, Omisore had held positions in the Upper Chamber such as Senate Committee Chairman on Industries, Intergovernmental Affairs and Culture and Tourism. He was also Chairman, Joint Finance Committee and also played various leading roles in the Red Chamber during his tour of duty.
Aside his dynamic legislative ability and experience in Nigeria’s highest law-making institution, Omisore is bringing to this election his other positives which are incontestable. He will also leverage on his good judgement in business, his international and political connections, his simplicity and accessibility and his politics which is inclusive. His courage, network of friends across class and good name is also bound to open doors for him.
A philanthropist and role model who empowers his supporters and other people in need of assistance, Omisore obviously does not belong in the league of ‘use and dump’ politicians, a phenomenon that is rife, not only in Osun State but in the country generally. The former deputy governor is also widely perceived as a consistent and astute leader who has remained in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP despite the free movement of fair weather Nigerian politicians who shamelessly jump from one party to the other.
Those who hold dissenting opinion about Omisore’s popularity and acceptance are in minority and the so-called negatives are in the realm of conjecture and allegations. Till today, no court has declared him guilty of any crime and this validates his good name.
