The All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee has disqualified former National Secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore, and six other aspirants from participating in the Osun State governorship primary scheduled for December 13, citing irregularities in their nomination documentation.
According to the committee’s report submitted to the APC National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja on Friday, the affected aspirants failed to provide evidence of sponsorship by at least five fully registered and financially up-to-date party members from each local government area in Osun State, as demanded by Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and Paragraph 6(c) of the party’s 2025 governorship primary guidelines.
Also barred are Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Benedict Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki, and Senator Babajide Omoworare. Only two aspirants, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, scaled the screening and were cleared to contest in the primary election.
The committee chaired by Chief Obinna Uzoh, Esq., concluded its assignment on December 4 and emphasised that its assessment involved a thorough review of all submitted forms, declarations, attachments, and supporting materials to ensure compliance with both statutory and party standards. Aspirants also underwent structured interviews to evaluate their understanding of party rules, preparedness, and eligibility.
“This methodology ensured a transparent, fair, and objective evaluation process,” the report stated.
The committee also acknowledged receiving a petition from the Osun APC Renewal Group calling for the disqualification of the two cleared aspirants. After reviewing the issues raised, it ruled that both Jimoh and Oyebamiji met all requirements, including proper nomination by qualified party members across all local government areas, and therefore remained eligible.
However, the report underscored deep divisions within the Osun APC and recommended immediate reconciliation efforts by the national leadership. It urged the party to adopt a harmonised approach to political appointments and roles to reduce grievances and strengthen unity ahead of the 2026 governorship election, which the Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed for August 8.
“A unified party is essential for a credible primary and success at the gubernatorial election,” the committee advised, calling for equitable distribution of party positions and campaign responsibilities across zones and interest groups.
The committee expressed appreciation to the NWC for entrusting it with the assignment and reaffirmed its commitment to fairness and credibility in line with APC principles.
