By John Dike, Osogbo
Ahead of the 2026 Governorship Election in Osun State, former Senator Babajide Omoworare, a frontline aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has declared his intention to contest, saying he possesses the experience, education, exposure, and pedigree to deliver purposeful leadership and sustainable development.
Speaking in Osogbo at a media forum tagged “New Points” — an interactive platform organised by the Osun State Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ — Omoworare outlined his political journey, philosophy of leadership, and vision to reposition Osun for growth and inclusiveness.
He said, “I’m an epitome of humility and responsibility.
“I believe I have what it takes to govern Osun State. I have the education, the experience, the exposure, the knowledge, and the pedigree. I didn’t start politics yesterday — I’ve paid my dues.”
According to the former senator, politics is not a bed of roses but a serious calling that requires discipline, patience, and divine grace.
“Politics isn’t a bed full of roses that you just go to lie on. I know that it is only God Almighty Who makes a governor or a president. Everyone can contest, but only one person will sit on that exalted seat. For me, this is not a matter of life and death — it’s about service.”
Omoworare said his ambition is rooted in a desire to transform Osun from what he described as a “civil service state” into a “democratic state” — one driven by innovation, enterprise, and productive citizens.
“We don’t have to wait for the next generation to change Osun; we can do it now. Artisans, professionals, and entrepreneurs must all be part of this new narrative. We have what it takes, and by the grace of God, if given the opportunity, I will reposition Osun State.”
Tracing his political lineage, he noted that his commitment to progressive ideals runs deep in his family.
“I am a first-generation South-West Afenifere. My grandfather was a staunch Afenifere and a member of the Action Group. My maternal grandfather was Governor of the old Western Region. My father was a school principal and councillor — a full-time educator and a part-time politician. So, progressivism runs in my blood.”
Omoworare recalled his early political involvement at Obafemi Awolowo University, where he joined the People’s Front, and his subsequent election to the Lagos State House of Assembly in 1999 on the banner of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). He was re-elected in 2003 and became the Majority Leader before returning to Osun in 2007 to continue his political career.
Omoworare emphasized that governance requires vision, competence, and discipline — not populism or flamboyance.
“Government is not a joke, and it’s not rocket science. Elect a clown and expect a circus. Governance is serious business that demands focus, planning, and integrity.”
He disclosed that his development blueprint for Osun covers critical sectors including agriculture, education, infrastructure, tourism, creative industries, and technology.
“We must change our budget cycle, ensure projects are completed on time, and adopt strategic development plans similar to China’s five-year model. Osun can’t continue with business as usual.”
As part of his community contributions, Omoworare said he had facilitated several development projects, including the construction of 11 internal roads in Ife, launched exactly a year ago on his birthday.
“I’m not in government, but I used my influence to make it happen. That’s what leadership means — using your position to make life better for others.”
Responding to those questioning his grassroots connection, Omoworare said:
“I was born in Osun State, at the General Hospital, Ilesa. My father was Principal Ebenezer Omoworare from Ijeda in Oriade Local Government. I grew up in Ife, at Ojuogbe Market — that’s my family compound and polling unit. I attended Sijuwade Nursery and Primary School, St. James Secondary School, Oke Atan, and Obafemi Awolowo University — all in Ife. I was called to the Bar 35 years ago. I am as grassroots as anyone can be.”
He noted that politics has different dimensions — intellectual, grassroots, and financial — and that success depends on teamwork rather than individual power.
“There’s no politician who can monitor all polling units or fund an election alone. Politics is teamwork. Your strength lies in harnessing your party’s capacity and understanding the weaknesses of your structure.
Senator Omoworare reaffirmed his commitment to the APC, saying he would remain in the party regardless of the outcome of the primaries.
“Section 84 of the Constitution is clear — we can have consensus, direct, or indirect primaries. If it’s not me, I won’t leave the party. I’m a loyal APC member.”
“When I was in the Senate and the party chose Hon. Jibola Famurewa as the next candidate, there were no primaries. I called him immediately and said, ‘Congratulations, let’s start working.’ I have won five elections — two in Lagos and three here in Osun. I have nothing to prove, and I will never hold a grudge.”
Omoworare stressed the importance of completing major infrastructure projects to stimulate economic growth.
“If an investor’s first stop in Osun is a bad road or an unkempt workshop, he won’t return. We must fix our roads — both inter-state and intra-state — from Ada to Iree and beyond. Agriculture can only thrive when rural access roads are good.”
He also pledged to complete the long-abandoned Osun Airport Project, describing it as a potential hub for aviation training and industrial development.
“That airport started as a meteorological centre during World War II and has passed through four administrations. It’s the people’s money; we must finish it and put it to use.”
“Our party has lawyers, lecturers, accountants, engineers, journalists — people of competence and character. What we need is leadership with vision and political will.”
He added that his administration would create a research hub linking government, business, and academia to drive innovation and problem-solving.
“Agriculture will be a priority. When food is no longer a problem, most other challenges become minor. We will fight food inflation and make Osun self-reliant.
Concluding, Omoworare said his ambition is guided by faith, not desperation.“I always say — it is God who makes a governor or president. My ambition is to serve, to leave Osun better than I met it. If God wills it, I will emerge. If not, I will remain loyal to my party and my people. But one thing is certain — Osun must rise again.”
