Omisore slams Adeleke, says Osun deserves serious leadership

…submits nomination form

Iyiola Omisore, former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Monday formally declared his intention to contest the 2026 Governorship election in Osun State, submitting his nomination and expression of interest forms at the party’s national secretariat.

Speaking with journalists after the submission, Omisore said his mission is clear: to provide the serious, experienced leadership he believes Osun currently lacks.

He said, “My mission is to contest for the governorship seat in Osun come 2026.

“Today is the last day for submission of forms, and as someone who has been in this party with deep experience, my pocket, pedigree and journey speak volumes.

Read  also: Omisore declares interest in 2026 Osun governorship under APC

“In honesty and fairness, finding an aspirant who can beat my credentials is difficult.”

He launched a direct attack on the Administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, whom he described as a “dancing governor,” questioning his seriousness in governance.

“My State is being headed by a dancing governor,” Omisore said.

“Any governor who is dancing will not appreciate the tenets of leadership and governance.

“Governance is a serious business. Can any serious person be dancing without drum or song? It shows the littleness and the evil in mind.”

Omisore expressed confidence that he would emerge the APC flag-bearer, despite the presence of eight other aspirants.

“There are nine aspirants today,” he said.

“By the grace of God, when we conclude, I am going to emerge the candidate of the party.

“My credentials and relationships within the party speak for me. We are just starting.”

Asked whether he would object to a consensus arrangement that may not favour him, Omisore insisted that any option adopted must strictly follow APC guidelines.

“As at today, we have nine aspirants. That presupposes the issue of consensus in line with our party guidelines,” he said.

Read also: ‎Omisore declares for Osun gov’ship seat, says governance not dancing matter

“Whatever is done must comply with the electoral process. Whoever emerges becomes the party’s candidate.”

Responding to concerns about whether he still has the capacity to lead after leaving office as deputy governor more than 20 years ago, Omisore insisted that his age and experience are advantages.

“I was Deputy Governor over 20 years ago,” he said.

“Each time I contest, I come with different vigour and vision. Experience cannot be bought. The older the wine, the sweeter the wine. Osun is very lucky at this point for me to help the state out of the doldrums.”

Omisore dismissed suggestions that he is angry over past party issues or that he supports zoning the ticket to the West.

“You have heard so many rumours and innuendos,” he said.

“Every part of the state has had a fair share of the governorship. The idea of zoning now is myopic, an attempt by lazy politicians to corner power for their interests.”

He argued that since the State’s creation in 1991, all zones had been represented in the Governorship, and zoning arguments only serve to mislead the public.

“These shenanigans and interest shielding won’t take us anywhere,” he said.

“Every state wants the best for their governance.”

Read also: Omisore picks APC nomination form for Osun 2026 governorship election

Omisore maintained his criticism of the current administration, saying Osun’s intellectual capacity deserves leadership of a higher standard.

“If you are from Osun, you know the problems in the state,” he said.

“It is not personal. But I am sure you are not happy having a dancing governor. Osun has the highest number of intellectuals in the country.”

With his formal declaration, Omisore joins a crowded APC field ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive party primary and a consequential 2026 Governorship race.

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