By Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
TWO former deputy governors of Osun State have formally joined the governorship race, urging the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to repeat what they described as the “Ekiti consensus mistake” in the build-up to the 2026 governorship election.
The aspirants argued that the party must allow a free, fair, and transparent primary early next year to enable them to properly test their popularity.
A total of nine aspirants, including the two ex-deputy governors, Senator Iyiola Omisore and Chief Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, purchased the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms at ₦50 million each. However, only six had submitted their completed forms as of Monday, 1 December 2025.
Speaking with journalists shortly after submitting his forms at the APC National Secretariat, Senator Omisore cautioned the party against attempting a consensus arrangement in Osun, stating that the approach used in Ekiti effectively shut out other aspirants in favour of the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji.
Responding to questions on the possibility of consensus, Omisore, a former APC National Secretary, said:
“As of today, we have nine aspirants, which already suggests that consensus is off the table in line with our party guidelines. Whatever is done must follow due process, and whoever emerges will be our party’s candidate.
“There are nine aspirants today. By God’s grace, when the process is concluded, I will emerge as the candidate. My credentials and my longstanding relationships within the party speak for me.”
He also took a swipe at Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, whom he described as a “dancing governor” unfit to hold serious public office.
“If you are from Osun State, you know the issues. This is not personal; these are verifiable facts. Osun is home to some of the country’s brightest minds, yet we have a governor whose reputation is built on dancing. Governance is a serious business.”
Omisore stated that his ambition is driven by experience and renewed vigour.
“I was deputy governor more than 20 years ago, and each time I have contested, I have brought fresh energy and vision. Experience cannot be bought. The older the wine, the sweeter it becomes. Osun is fortunate to have me at this time to help steer the state out of its current challenges.”
Similarly, former Deputy Governor Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, after submitting his own forms, declared that a “new dawn” awaits Osun State. He stressed that his ambition is anchored on service-driven leadership rooted in compassion.
“My decision is not born out of fleeting ambition but from a deep, enduring commitment to the progress of our state and the welfare of our people,” he said.
“Leadership, at its best, is service guided by a good heart—one that feels the struggles of the people and acts. This declaration is a covenant with the people of Osun to deploy my experience, passion and faith towards building a state that works for everyone.”
Alabi promised to unite the state and run an inclusive administration.
“Osun needs a leader who can bridge divisions. I offer myself as a bridge-builder. I will not govern for a faction; I will govern for everyone. My administration will be one of unity, where competent individuals from across the state, regardless of political leanings, have a place at the table.”
Other aspirants who submitted their forms on Monday included former Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji; Babatunde Oralusi; former Senator Babajide Omoworare; Dr Mulikat Abiola Jimoh; Prince Dotun Babayemi; Dr Akin Ogunbiyi; and Barrister Kunle Adegoke (SAN).
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