A governorship hopeful in Osun State, Babajide Omoworare, has said he will not step down for fellow All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant, Iyiola Omisore, ahead of the party’s primary election in December
Both Omoworare and Omisore, who are from Ile-Ife and have served as senators, are contesting for the APC ticket for the August 8, 2026 governorship election.
Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Friday, Omoworare said that since Omisore is older, he should give younger politicians a chance.
“In Yoruba culture, when you reach a certain age, you allow your younger brother to continue,” he said. “People say I should step down for my senior brother, but it is the elder who should step aside. My brother should encourage me and say, ‘Jide, go ahead; I know your ability.’”
Omoworare, who was once Majority Leader in the Lagos State House of Assembly, said his political career has been carefully built and that he still has a friendly relationship with Omisore.
“He knows my capacity.
I was even his lawyer in the 1990s. We don’t fight. Politics should be about ideas, not conflict,” he said.
The former senator said his goal is to make Osun a productive and industrialised state instead of depending on civil service jobs.
“I want to make Osun an industrial and democratic state. We don’t have to wait for the next generation to do it; we can do it now,” he said. “I’m not desperate for power; I just want to serve.”
He added that governance must be taken seriously.
“If people elect a clown, they should expect a circus. I’ll govern Osun with professionalism and clear plans for roads, farming, schools, tourism, and the creative industry,” he said.
Omoworare promised to complete the state airport project, describing it as important for economic growth.
“That airport has already taken a lot of money. It must be completed and used, maybe as a training centre or aviation hub. We can’t keep wasting resources,” he said.
He said his family has a strong history in progressive politics.
“My grandfather was governor of the old Western Region, my father was a principal and councillor, and I’ve been part of the progressive movement all my life,” he noted.
Omoworare pledged loyalty to the APC, saying he would support whoever wins the party’s ticket.
“God makes governors and presidents. If I don’t win, I’ll congratulate the winner and work for the party. Politics is about service, not desperation,” he said.