Former APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has accepted his disqualification from the Osun State governorship race and declared full support for Tinubu’s directive on adopting a consensus candidate for the 2026 election.
Omisore was one of the seven aspirants stopped by the party’s Screening Committee over alleged breaches of party guidelines and electoral provisions.
Speaking on TVC News during the Politics Tonight programme, he said he reached his decision after consultations and guidance from Tinubu.
“The president has spoken, and as party members we have to work with the terms of the president,” he said.
He stressed that loyalty to the party’s leadership remains important, adding that he had no regrets about his political journey.
He described himself as “an old wine that tastes better” and noted that his loyal base remains intact.
Omisore explained that although he had offered alternative ideas to the party leadership, he would stand firmly by Tinubu’s final position.
He said he would soon meet his supporters to formally brief them on the development.
He urged party figures in the race to prioritise unity as the primary approaches, saying the APC must “refine its strategy” to secure victory in 2026.
His reaction followed Monday’s late-night meeting convened by Tinubu, where other aspirants endorsed the president’s preferred candidate. Omisore was the only one absent.
Those present at the meeting included former Deputy Governor Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Dotun Babayemi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Kunle Adegoke (SAN), Babatunde Hareter Oralusi, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
Also in attendance were top APC figures such as National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, Progressive Governors’ Forum Chairman Hope Uzodimma and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola.
At the end of the meeting, the aspirants and party leaders issued a joint statement saying they would abide by the consensus arrangement and avoid moves capable of destabilising the party.
They also pledged to work together to deliver APC’s victory in the 2026 governorship poll.
