Former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, has warned that the party could lose the 2026 governorship election in Osun State if it fails to field a credible and experienced candidate.

Omisore issued the warning on Wednesday during his ongoing consultation tour of Osogbo and Olorunda Local Government Areas, where he met with stakeholders ahead of the APC primary election scheduled for December 13, 2025.

The former deputy governor said he agreed to enter the race following pressure from party elders and stakeholders who believe he has the capacity to “correct the failures of the present administration.”

He stressed that the APC must prioritise competence over sentiment, cautioning against handing the party’s ticket to untested individuals.

“If we fail to give a viable aspirant the ticket, we will fail and lose. We must choose someone with proven experience in elective office,” he said.
“The governorship of a state cannot be left to the free will of any individual. It must reflect the collective consensus of stakeholders, interest groups and the voting population.”

Omisore described all aspirants as “brothers,” but warned against selecting candidates based on personal relationships.

“You should not hire your friend for a job he cannot deliver,” he said, urging party members to support him during the primary election. “On December 13, let us come out en masse and demonstrate our support.”

The Consultation Coordinator, Hon. Ajibola Famurewa, expressed confidence that Omisore would secure the APC ticket, saying every local government visited so far had shown overwhelming acceptance.