Osun APC risks strategic setback without Omisore, Party chieftain warns

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Yemi Adediwura, has cautioned the party against sidelining former National Secretary of the APC, Senator Iyiola Omisore, warning that failure to re-engage the former deputy governor could weaken the party’s chances in future elections in Osun State.

Adediwura, in a political article titled “Rebuilding Bridges in Osun APC” and made available to Sunday Tribune on Saturday, said the party is at a critical stage where unity, reconciliation and strategic alliances are essential for electoral success ahead of the 2026 governorship election and other future contests.

According to him, recent developments within the Osun APC have exposed internal divisions that require urgent attention, stressing that reconciliation among key stakeholders should be treated as a necessity rather than an option.

He noted that since Omisore left his position as the party’s National Secretary, there has been a growing perception that the former senator has been marginalized within the APC.

 Adediwura argued that such perceptions, whether accurate or not, could have significant political consequences.

“In politics, perception often carries as much weight as reality,” he stated, adding that the party cannot afford to ignore a political figure with Omisore’s influence, experience and support base.

The APC  chieftain described Omisore as a major political force in Ile-Ife and the wider Osun East Senatorial District, citing his records as a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, a two-term senator and immediate past National Secretary of the ruling party.

He maintained that any effort by the APC to reposition itself in Osun without adequately engaging Omisore would amount to a strategic error, noting that the former lawmaker remains a significant asset to the party’s electoral calculations.

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Adediwura further argued that Omisore’s political relevance extends beyond party offices, saying he commands loyal grassroots following and possesses a technocratic background that aligns with the growing demand for development-oriented leadership.

He also pointed to Omisore’s long-standing sponsorship of the NIDSA Annual Summer School programme, which he said has impacted thousands of young people over the years and strengthened his connection with communities across the state.

As part of efforts to strengthen the APC, Adediwura recommended five key steps, including initiating genuine reconciliation among party leaders, reintegrating Omisore into strategic and advisory roles, leveraging his grassroots network, highlighting his developmental contributions and building a broad coalition of stakeholders ahead of future elections.