The All Progressives Congress (APC) screening panel has disqualified former National Secretary, Sen. Iyiola Omisore, along with six other governorship hopefuls, from participating in the party’s Osun State primary scheduled for December 13.
The committee, led by Chief Obinna Uzoh, announced that the affected aspirants were removed from the race after significant inconsistencies and omissions were found in their nomination documents.
Uzoh urged party stakeholders to prioritise reconciliation and unity as the APC heads toward what he described as a critical governorship contest.
Only Two Aspirants Cleared
Out of the nine individuals screened, only Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji met every requirement outlined in the APC Constitution and the party’s guidelines for the 2025 governorship primary.
According to the committee, the seven disqualified aspirants—
* Sen. Iyiola Omisore,
* Babatunde Haketer Oralusi,
* Oyedotun Babayemi,
* Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi,
* Benedict Olugboyega Alabi,
* Adegoke Rasheed Okiki, and
* Sen. Babajide Omoworare,
failed to provide proof that they were sponsored by five fully registered, financially up-to-date APC members in each of Osun’s Local Government Areas, as mandated by Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and Paragraph 6(c) of the party’s guidelines.
A Transparent Screening Process, Panel Insists
In its report submitted on Friday, the committee said it relied on a two-step evaluation process:
1. Document Verification – All forms, declarations, and attachments were thoroughly vetted for authenticity and compliance.
2. Structured Interviews – Each aspirant was interviewed to assess preparedness, knowledge of party rules, and adherence to nomination standards.
The committee stressed that the process was designed to be “transparent, fair and objective.”
Petition Sparks Wider Review
The panel also confirmed receiving a petition from the Osun APC Renewal Group, which alleged that two initially cleared aspirants did not satisfy mandatory nomination criteria.
After reviewing the claims, the committee determined that the issues raised were substantial and relevant to safeguarding the integrity of the process.
Rather than addressing the concerns selectively, the committee expanded its review, ultimately affirming that only Jimoh and Oyebamiji fully complied with all requirements.
Deep Factionalism in Osun APC
The report highlighted lingering internal divisions within the Osun APC, warning that a fractured party threatens its prospects both at the primary and in the governorship election, slated by INEC for August 8, 2026.
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To avert further turmoil, the committee recommended that the national leadership activate a comprehensive reconciliation mechanism to bridge factional gaps. It also advised equitable distribution of appointments, campaign positions, and party offices across all political blocs in the state.
Committee Reiterates Commitment to Fairness
Expressing gratitude to the APC National Working Committee for the confidence placed in its members, the panel reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the party’s principles of fairness, credibility, and due process.
