Panic is mounting within the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as loyalists of former National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, continue a wave of defections that could weaken the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Party insiders attribute the growing exodus to Omisore’s dissatisfaction with what he describes as a “skewed APC structure and political manipulation” within the state chapter.
How the Crisis Began
The crisis traces its roots to the APC governorship primary, where Omisore contested alongside Mr. Bola Oyebamiji and other aspirants. Following the disqualification of Omisore and six other contenders, members of his camp expected reconciliation efforts from the party leadership.
However, the group claimed that requests for legislative tickets as part of arrangements to accommodate their interests were rejected, leaving many supporters feeling sidelined and excluded from the party’s political calculations.
Wave of Resignations
The discontent has triggered a steady stream of resignations. Within the last week alone, more than seven prominent APC members reportedly left the party without publicly stating their reasons.
Among those who have resigned are:
Oladoyin Bamisayemi, former Commissioner for Education
Taiwo Akeju, Commissioner for Political Matters
Jamiu Olawumi, Special Adviser on Higher Education
Adeyeye Olajide, former State Lawmaker
Their departure has fueled concerns about the future of APC’s grassroots structure in the state.
APC Reacts
The defections have drawn sharp reactions from APC leaders and supporters. Former Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Funso Fagbohungbe, criticised some of the defectors, particularly Bamisayemi, describing him as an “ingrate.”
According to Fagbohungbe, Bamisayemi benefited significantly from opportunities provided by the party, having served as a two-term lawmaker under former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and later as Commissioner for Education under former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
He argued that the former commissioner had no basis to accuse the APC of mistreating members and suggested that his political roots remained in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speculation Over Next Political Move
Although the defectors have yet to formally announce their next political destination, political observers believe some members of the Omisore camp may be gravitating toward the Accord Party in support of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid.
The speculation intensified after reports emerged that Jamiu Olawumi was seen at the Accord Party campaign media office alongside members of the governor’s political team.
What It Means for Osun APC
With the governorship election approaching, the loss of Omisore’s faction could deprive the APC of experienced political figures, grassroots mobilisers and influential former appointees.
Should the group eventually align with Accord Party and Governor Ademola Adeleke, the development could reshape the political landscape in Osun and deepen the internal challenges facing the APC in a state it lost to the PDP in the 2022 governorship election.
