- vows to rescue state from stagnation
By John Dike, Osogbo
A governorship aspirant in Osun State under the banner of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has said that governance is a more serious matter than dancing.
Apparently mocking Governor Ademola Adeleke, popularly known as the “dancing governor” due to his dancing prowess, which he usually displays even at public functions, he said “Government is not a dancing matter; it’s serious business that must be handled by serious-minded people,”
Omisore a former Deputy Governor of the state, former Senator, and APC ex-National Secretary, said these in Osogbo while declaring his intention to contest the governorship election scheduled for January, next year.
The engineer, and seasoned politician said he is “culturally, politically, intellectually and firmly rooted enough to pilot the affairs of Osun State come 2026.”
Omisore, also a businessman, who served as Deputy Governor between 1999 and 2003 and later as Senator representing Osun East from 2003 to 2011, stated that the state must be rescued from what he termed “stagnation, poverty, nepotism, and hypocrisy.”
He spoke passionately about his new political theme: “Osun Rescue Mission 2026”, emphasizing his readiness to offer mature, experience-driven, and inclusive governance.
His words, “I know the right path to take in order to move Osun forward in all ramifications. Government is not a dancing matter; it’s serious business that must be handled by serious-minded people.”
According to him, with over 32 years in active politics, including national party leadership roles and legislative experience, he possesses both the political structure and competence to tackle the state’s challenges head-on.
As part of his engagement strategy, Omisore hosted over 138 women leaders and political aides drawn from all three senatorial districts in Osun. He assured them of full inclusion in his government if elected, adding that women empowerment and gender inclusiveness would be a priority.
He equally received the endorsement of the Osun APC Youth Leaders Forum, comprising leaders from all 30 local government areas and the Ife Area Office. The youth leaders, led by the State Youth Leader, unanimously adopted Omisore as their preferred candidate, moving and seconding the motion in unison.
“Senator Omisore is a strong and credible candidate who can go toe-to-toe with any opponent, including the incumbent,” they said.
The declaration event saw a large turnout of APC stakeholders across the state, including elected local government chairmen, councillors, ward chairmen, and political heavyweights. The party leaders pledged their support and were named coordinators for the upcoming APC primaries scheduled for December 15, 2025.
At various consultation meetings and stakeholder engagements, the support base continued to grow, with many citing Omisore’s deep understanding of Osun’s socio-political terrain, track record, and commitment to APC values.
Notable party figures present at the declaration and endorsement events include:, Hon. Ajibola Famurewa, Hon. Folorunso Bamisaye, Hon. Lanre Balogun, and Hon. Jamiu Olawumi,
among others.
Omisore expressed optimism about the APC’s chances in the 2026 gubernatorial race, saying the party enjoys widespread support and has a “100% chance” of reclaiming the state from the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“This is just internal politics for now. These people gathered here today are APC members from across the 332 wards in Osun State. They called on me to run — and with their support, I am confident we will secure the party’s ticket and win the election,” he said.
He added that the party is working tirelessly from the grassroots to ensure victory in both the primaries and the general election slated for August 8, 2026.
Some APC leaders who called on party faithful and Osun residents to rally behind Omisore included Hon. Folorunso Bamisaye, who appealed to women to “look beyond sentiments” and support Omisore for the future of Osun. Also, Hon. Ajibola Famurewa said Omisore’s leadership would transform the state into “the Mecca of iur dreams.”
The Forum of Party Chairmen, led by Hon. Rufus Awotidoye, also pledged their support, describing the decision to involve grassroots leaders as a departure from past neglect. Similarly, Hon. Ojeleye Emmanuel, chairman of the Ward Chairmen Forum, vowed to mobilize at the ward level to secure Omisore’s victory at the primaries
Summing up his position, Omisore noted that Osun people deserve a serious, visionary, and focused government. He promised to prioritize:
Educational reform, Agricultural development, Rural infrastructure, Transparent governance, and Structural re-alignment for effective service delivery.
He said, “This is a very serious government we are bringing. Osun deserves better. And I am prepared to lead from day one.”
