By John Dike, Osogbo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State is reportedly facing internal uncertainty following conditions allegedly set by former National Secretary of the party, Iyiola Omisore, for supporting its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
According to party sources, the matter came to the fore after members of the APC Elder Caucus (Igbimo Agba) paid a visit to Omisore at his residence in Ile-Ife last Monday. The delegation reportedly included Engr. Sola Akinwunmi, Chief Shuaib Oyedokun, Mr. Akin Omolaoye and Prof. Mojeed Alabi.
Although the meeting was said to have been facilitated by former Osun governor and APC chieftain, Bisi Akande, he was not present at the gathering.
Omisore later shared photographs from the meeting on his Facebook page, stating that discussions focused on strengthening unity, cohesion and progress within the party.
However, insiders disclosed that the primary purpose of the visit was to seek his backing for Oyebamiji ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Omisore was among seven aspirants disqualified by the party’s screening committee prior to the December 13, 2025 governorship primary. Others affected included Benedict Alabi, Kunle Adegoke (SAN), Senator Babajide Omoworare, Akin Ogunbiyi, Oyedotun Babayemi and Babatunde Haketer Oralusi.
Following the disqualification, Omisore publicly accused the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, of influencing the screening process in favour of Oyebamiji.
He alleged that Oyetola, a cousin of President Bola Tinubu, pressured the screening committee chairman to sideline certain aspirants.
Although President Tinubu later met with the disqualified aspirants, where Oyebamiji emerged as the consensus candidate, Omisore was absent from the meeting and from the primary election in Osogbo that ratified Oyebamiji’s candidacy.
Alleged Demands
Sources at the Ile-Ife meeting claimed that Omisore demanded significant political concessions as a condition for his support.
These reportedly include two senatorial tickets, several House of Representatives slots, and positions in the State House of Assembly for his loyalists.
One insider described the discussions as “largely fruitful,” but acknowledged that Omisore’s backing may depend on how his requests are handled at higher levels within the party.
A loyalist of the former deputy governor, who spoke anonymously, maintained that Omisore was not negotiating for personal gain but advocating for his political structure and supporters.
“He invested heavily in his governorship ambition. Whatever he requested was to ensure that his people are adequately represented,” the source said, adding that Omisore remains a dominant political figure in Ile-Ife and across Osun State.
Since the primary election, Oyebamiji has reportedly met with several former aspirants to consolidate support but has yet to publicly reconcile with Omisore.
The situation has fuelled speculation about lingering divisions within the Osun APC as preparations intensify for the forthcoming governorship poll.
Party elders are said to be weighing Omisore’s demands, with observers noting that his influence in Ile-Ife could play a pivotal role in determining the party’s electoral fortunes.
As internal consultations continue, the APC in Osun appears to be navigating a delicate balancing act between party unity and political concessions ahead of the decisive August election.
