APC disqualifies Omisore, 6 others aspirants from Osun governorship primary

The All Progressives Congress Screening Committee has disqualified former APC National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore, along with six other contenders, from taking part in the Osun State governorship primary scheduled for December 13. The panel cited procedural gaps and irregularities in their nomination documents.

A copy of the committee’s report, obtained by our correspondent on Friday, called on party stakeholders to prioritise reconciliation to strengthen internal unity ahead of the poll. It noted that addressing internal grievances was essential to ensuring a credible selection process.

INEC had earlier fixed the Osun governorship election for August 8, 2026.

The committee, chaired by Obinna Uzoh, concluded its work on December 4, 2025, before submitting its findings to the APC National Working Committee in Abuja the following day.

According to the report, the affected aspirants—Omisore, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Benedict Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki, and Sen. Babajide Omoworare—did not comply with the requirement to present sponsorship by at least five fully registered and financially up-to-date party members from each Local Government Area in Osun State. The committee said this contravened Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and Paragraph 6(c) of the party’s primary guidelines.

Only two aspirants, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, were cleared to participate in the primary.

The panel outlined its methodology, stating: “In carrying out its assignment, the Committee adopted the following screening process:“Examination of documents and materials: All forms, declarations, supporting materials, and attachments submitted by aspirants were thoroughly reviewed to verify their authenticity and compliance with statutory and party requirements.

“Each aspirant underwent a structured interview session during which the Committee assessed their knowledge of party rules, personal preparedness, adherence to nomination requirements, and overall suitability.

“This methodology ensured a transparent, fair, and objective evaluation process.”

The report further disclosed that the committee received a petition from the Osun APC Renewal Group, which argued that two of the cleared aspirants should also be disqualified for allegedly failing to meet the mandatory nomination threshold stipulated in the APC Constitution and the party’s guidelines.

The committee wrote: “Upon careful review, the Committee found the issues raised in the petition to be weighty, substantial, and relevant to the integrity of the screening process. In the interest of fairness, transparency, and uniform application of the Party’s rules, the Committee resolved that the concerns highlighted should not be applied selectively.

“The Committee found that two aspirants, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebanji, satisfactorily met all constitutional and guideline requirements of the APC, including proper nomination by the requisite number of fully registered, financially up-to-date party members from each Local Government Area.

“The Committee observed that seven aspirants—Sen. Iyiola Omisore, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Mr. Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki Adekunle, and Sen. Babajide Omoworare—failed to meet the mandatory nomination requirement of being sponsored by five fully registered and financially up-to-date members from each Local Government Area, contrary to Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution, as well as Paragraph 6(c) of the APC Guidelines for the 2025 Governorship Primary.”

The committee also highlighted persistent divisions within the Osun APC.

“It is therefore recommended that the National Leadership immediately establish a robust reconciliation mechanism to unify all factions and groups. A harmonised party is essential for a credible primary and success at the gubernatorial election.

“To foster broad inclusion and minimise feelings of marginalisation, the Party should ensure that political appointments, party offices, and campaign roles are evenly distributed across all zones, blocs, and interest groups within the State.

“The Committee expresses its profound gratitude to the NWC and the leadership of the APC for the confidence reposed in us, the members, to undertake this important assignment. We affirm our unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness and credibility that define our Party.”