The All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee has disqualified former APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, and six other governorship aspirants from participating in the party’s Osun State primary scheduled for December 13, 2025.
The committee cited irregularities and gaps in their nomination documents as grounds for the disqualification.
In its report submitted to the APC National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja on Friday, the panel led by Chief Obinna Uzoh said the affected aspirants failed to provide proof of sponsorship by at least five fully registered and financially updated party members from each of the state’s Local Government Areas, as required by Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and Paragraph 6(c) of the party’s guidelines.
Those barred include Omisore, 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.
The committee explained that all aspirants underwent document verification and a structured interview to assess compliance with party rules, preparedness, and overall suitability.
It also confirmed receiving a petition from the Osun APC Renewal Group urging the disqualification of aspirants who did not meet mandatory nomination requirements.
After review, the panel found the petition “weighty and substantial,” noting that the same standards must apply to all aspirants without selective enforcement.
Highlighting persistent division within the Osun APC, the committee recommended the immediate activation of a reconciliation mechanism to unify all factions ahead of the August 8, 2026 governorship election.
It further urged equitable distribution of appointments, party offices, and campaign roles to ensure inclusion across zones and interest blocs, stressing that only a harmonised structure could guarantee a credible primary and electoral success.
