Osun APC elders urge aspirants to show patience as screening begins ahead of the 2026 governorship race, with Senator Omisore becoming the first to pick forms

Osun APC elders have appealed to governorship aspirants within the All Progressives Congress in Osun State to exercise patience before obtaining the required forms for the 2026 election, emphasising the need for order as the party begins its internal processes.

Also read: Omisore becomes first to pick Osun APC governorship forms

In a statement signed by the elders’ caucus chairman, Mr Sola Akinwumi, the group revealed that it had received the report of its Adhoc Committee on the 2026 governorship election and had immediately constituted a Screening Committee to assess aspirants within a set timeframe.

Akinwumi explained that aspirants should refrain from rushing to purchase forms until the committee submits its report.

He encouraged party stakeholders to remain steadfast and committed to unity as preparations intensify.

The APC has scheduled its governorship primary for 13 December 2025, far ahead of the 8 August 2026 general poll.

The race has already attracted significant interest, with about thirteen aspirants seeking the party’s ticket.

They include Mr Bola Oyebamiji, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Mr Dotun Babayemi, and former deputy governor Benedict Alabi. Others are Akin Ogunbiyi, Dr Peter Babalola, and senior advocate Kunle Adegoke.

On the opposition front, incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke has been screened by the Peoples Democratic Party to contest again in 2026.

In a bold move, Senator Iyiola Omisore became the first APC aspirant to pick the party’s N50 million nomination and expression of interest forms.

The development was confirmed by the party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, who noted that Omisore was indeed the first to complete the step.

Speaking after obtaining the forms at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, Omisore said his decision was driven by service rather than personal ambition.

He described his entry into the race as “a responsibility to rebuild Osun, restore trust in leadership, and chart a new direction for a prosperous state,” drawing cheers from supporters who accompanied him in customised attire.

Also read: Osun APC slams Assembly over LG fund blockade

The coming months are expected to shape the momentum of what is already becoming a fiercely contested political season in Osun, with party elders emphasising discipline as the state’s political temperature begins to rise.