Omisore Becomes First to Purchase APC’s ₦50m Governorship Forms Ahead of 2026 Osun Election

Former Osun State Deputy Governor and immediate past National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has emerged as the first aspirant to obtain the APC’s ₦50m Nomination and Expression of Interest forms for the 2026 governorship election.

The development, confirmed on Thursday by the party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, officially signals the beginning of what is expected to be an intense race for the party’s governorship ticket.

“Yes, it is true. And you are also right that he is the first aspirant to pick the forms,” Duru said.

Omisore arrived at the APC national secretariat in Abuja accompanied by a large crowd of enthusiastic supporters clad in customised outfits. He said his decision to contest was driven by a sense of duty and a commitment to rebuild Osun State.

“This is not about ambition; it is about responsibility — a responsibility to rebuild our state, restore trust in leadership, and chart a new direction for a prosperous Osun,” he stated after collecting the forms.

Party insiders believe Omisore’s early entry could give him an edge over the 13 other aspirants expected to join the race. With strong political experience and a wide grassroots network, he is regarded as a leading contender in the APC primary scheduled for December 13, 2025.

His move comes amid growing political activity in Osun, where the ruling Peoples Democratic Party is preparing for a tough re-election battle. Governor Ademola Adeleke, seeking a second term, has played down concerns about internal party disputes, insisting he remains confident of victory.

In a statement from his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke described ongoing disagreements within the PDP as “a family affair,” urging members to remain united. “We are cruising to victory next year,” he said.

In August, the APC announced that its governorship primary for the August 8, 2026 Osun election would hold on December 13, 2025. It also placed the cost of its Nomination and Expression of Interest forms at ₦50m.

The party said the sale of forms began on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, with submissions of completed forms and delegate lists expected by December 1, 2025.

With the timetable set and Omisore’s early declaration, the contest for the APC ticket is gaining momentum as the state heads toward a decisive election year.