Political tension has once again gripped the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress as reports emerge that loyalists of former National Secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore, have reportedly left the party, deepening concerns over internal cohesion ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The development is unfolding at a critical moment in Osun’s political landscape, where major parties are already engaged in strategic positioning, alliance building, and internal restructuring ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive electoral contest. Within the APC, the latest wave of reported defections has further exposed underlying disagreements that have lingered within the party’s state structure over leadership influence, decision making processes, and political direction.
Party sources suggest that the departure of Omisore’s loyalists did not happen in isolation but is tied to long standing grievances among certain factions who have expressed dissatisfaction with internal arrangements and the perceived handling of key party matters. While details remain fluid, the development is already generating intense political discussions across the state, with analysts interpreting it as another sign of widening cracks within the party’s internal framework.
Senator Iyiola Omisore remains a significant figure in Osun politics and within the APC, having previously served as the party’s National Secretary and played key roles in shaping political alliances within the state. His political structure has over time maintained influence across different levels of the party in Osun, making any shift involving his supporters politically sensitive and potentially impactful on the party’s stability.
Observers note that the reported exit of his loyalists could alter internal power dynamics within the APC in Osun, especially as stakeholders begin to position themselves for the upcoming governorship race. Political engagement in the state has gradually intensified, with aspirants and party blocs working behind the scenes to secure relevance and influence ahead of the election cycle.
The APC in Osun has in recent months faced recurring internal disagreements, with tensions often linked to issues surrounding leadership direction, consultation processes, and perceived marginalization of certain groups. These internal frictions have occasionally surfaced during party meetings and consultations, reflecting the broader struggle for influence among competing interests within the party structure.
While party leadership has previously attempted reconciliation efforts to manage internal disputes, the recurrence of factional dissatisfaction suggests that underlying issues remain unresolved. The latest development involving Omisore’s loyalists is now seen by political stakeholders as another test of the party’s unity and conflict management capacity.
Political analysts argue that defections of this nature, particularly when linked to influential political blocs, can have both symbolic and strategic implications. Beyond immediate numerical impact, such movements often influence public perception of party stability, which becomes particularly important as elections approach. In competitive political environments like Osun State, perception of unity is often as crucial as actual electoral strength.
There is also growing concern among stakeholders that continued internal disagreements could weaken the APC’s bargaining power and electoral preparedness if not properly addressed. Some party members believe that sustained reconciliation efforts, inclusive dialogue, and restructuring of internal communication channels may be necessary to restore confidence among aggrieved factions and prevent further defections.
As political activities gradually build momentum toward 2026, parties in Osun State are expected to intensify grassroots mobilization, candidate positioning, and coalition building. The APC, being one of the dominant political forces in the state, is under particular pressure to maintain internal stability in order to remain competitive against rival parties that are also strengthening their structures.
The reported departure of Omisore’s loyalists has therefore added a new layer of uncertainty to the party’s internal dynamics. While it remains unclear how extensive the defections are or whether further exits may follow, the situation has already sparked renewed conversations about unity, leadership balance, and long term strategy within the Osun APC.
Political watchers say the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the party can manage the fallout and restore internal confidence or whether the cracks will widen further ahead of the election cycle. Much will depend on how party leaders respond to the grievances of affected members and whether meaningful reconciliation efforts are initiated in time to stabilize the structure.
For now, the situation underscores the fragile nature of political alliances in Nigeria’s evolving democratic space, where shifting loyalties and internal realignments remain a constant feature of party politics. In Osun State, all eyes remain on the APC as it navigates this latest internal challenge while preparing for one of the most consequential elections in the state’s recent political history.
