By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo
Of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State, former Senator Babajide Omoworare, a frontline aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has formally declared his intention to run for governor, saying he possesses the experience, education, exposure and pedigree to deliver purposeful leadership and sustainable development.
Speaking in Osogbo at a media forum taggeAhead d “News Points”, an interactive platform organised by the Osun State Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, Omoworare outlined his political journey, philosophy of leadership and vision to reposition Osun for growth and inclusiveness.
“I’m an epitome of humility and responsibility. I believe I have what it takes to govern Osun State. I have the education, the experience, the exposure, the knowledge, and the pedigree. I didn’t start politics yesterday — I’ve paid my dues,” he stated.
According to the former senator, politics is not a bed of roses but a serious calling that requires discipline, patience and divine grace.
“Politics isn’t a bed full of roses that you just go to lie on. I know that it is only God Almighty who makes a governor or a president. Everyone can contest, but only one person will sit on that exalted seat. For me, this is not a matter of life and death — it’s about service.
Omoworare said his ambition is rooted in a desire to transform Osun from what he described as a “civil service state” into a “democratic state” — one driven by innovation, enterprise and productive citizens.
“We don’t have to wait for the next generation to change Osun; we can do it now. Artisans, professionals, and entrepreneurs must all be part of this new narrative. We have what it takes, and by the grace of God, if given the opportunity, I will reposition Osun State.”
Tracing his political lineage, he noted that his commitment to progressive ideals runs deep in his family.
“I am a first-generation South-West Afenifere. My grandfather was a staunch Afenifere and a member of the Action Group. My maternal grandfather was Governor of the old Western Region. My father was a school principal and councillor — a full-time educator and a part-time politician. So, progressivism runs in my blood,” he said.
Omoworare recalled his early political involvement at Obafemi Awolowo University, where he joined the People’s Front, and his subsequent election to the Lagos State House of Assembly in 1999 under the Alliance for Democracy (AD). He was re-elected in 2003 and became the Majority Leader before returning to Osun in 2007 to continue his political career.
Omoworare emphasised that governance requires vision, competence and discipline not populism or flamboyance.
“Government is not a joke, and it’s not rocket science. Elect a clown and expect a circus. Governance is serious business that demands focus, planning and integrity.”
He disclosed that his development blueprint for Osun covers critical sectors including agriculture, education, infrastructure, tourism, creative industries and technology.
As part of his community contributions, Omoworare said he had facilitated several development projects, including the construction of 11 internal roads in Ife, launched exactly a year ago on his birthday.
“I’m not in government, but I used my influence to make it happen. That’s what leadership means, using your position to make life better for others,” he said.
He noted that politics has different dimensions intellectual, grassroots and financial, saying that success depends on teamwork rather than individual power.
Senator Omoworare reaffirmed his commitment to the APC, saying he would remain in the party regardless of the outcome of the primaries.aviation
Omoworare stressed the importance of completing major infrastructure projects to stimulate economic growth.
He also pledged to complete the long-abandoned Osun Airport Project, describing it as a potential hub for training and industrial development.