Former Osun State Deputy Governor and immediate past National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, has become the first governorship aspirant to purchase the APC’s ₦50 million nomination forms for the 2026 election.

APC Deputy National Organising Secretary Nze Duru confirmed the development to journalists on Thursday evening, stating: “Yes, it is true. He was indeed the first governorship aspirant to obtain the nomination and expression of interest forms.”

Speaking after collecting his forms, Omisore framed his decision as a civic duty rather than personal ambition: “This is about responsibility. We must rebuild our state, restore trust in leadership, and chart a new direction for a prosperous Osun.”

His formal entry signals the start of a competitive battle for the APC ticket. Political activities are intensifying across Osun, with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party preparing its re-election strategy.

PDP’s Re-election Bid

Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, seeking a second term under the PDP banner, has dismissed internal party disagreements as “a family affair.” His spokesperson Olawale Rasheed stated: “We are cruising to victory next year. We remain committed to rebuilding this party for renewed landslide victory.”

APC Primary Timeline

The APC has scheduled its governorship primary for December 13, 2025, ahead of the August 8, 2026 election. According to National Organising Secretary Sulaiman Argungu:

Nomination forms cost ₦50 million
Only members on the party register with updated dues through February 2025 may contest or vote
Form sales began November 12, 2025
Completed submissions are due by December 1, 2025

With Omisore leading the field, more APC contenders are expected to join the race in coming weeks. This sets the stage for one of Osun’s most closely watched governorship contests in recent history.