APC BARS OMISORE, SIX OTHERS FROM OSUN GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARY OVER NOMINATION IRREGULARITIES

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

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.

The committee cited gaps and irregularities in their nomination processes, particularly the failure to provide proof of sponsorship from at least five fully registered and financially up-to-date party members from each Local Government Area, as required by the APC Constitution and guidelines.

The recommendation was contained in a screening report submitted to the APC National Working Committee (NWC) on Friday in Abuja. The screening exercise, chaired by Chief Obinna Uzoh, was concluded on December 4, 2025.

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

According to the report, the affected aspirants are:

Sen. Iyiola Omisore

Babatunde Haketer Oralusi

Oyedotun Babayemi

Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi

Benedict Olugboyega Alabi

Adegoke Rasheed Okiki

Sen. Babajide Omoworare

The committee said their submissions fell short of Articles 9.3(i), 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution, and Paragraph 6(c) of the 2025 governorship primary guidelines.

It explained that the screening process involved a thorough examination of documents, declarations, and supporting materials, as well as structured interviews assessing knowledge of party rules and preparedness.

The committee also reviewed a petition from the Osun APC Renewal Group, which sought the disqualification of the two cleared aspirants. However, upon investigation, the committee found that both aspirants met all constitutional and guideline requirements.

The report noted lingering deep divisions within Osun APC and urged the party leadership to initiate immediate reconciliation efforts.

“It is recommended that the National Leadership establish a robust reconciliation mechanism to unify all factions. A harmonised party is essential to ensuring a credible primary and success in the 2026 governorship election,” the committee advised.

It further recommended equitable distribution of appointments, party offices, and campaign roles across all political blocs in the state to foster unity and inclusion.

The committee expressed appreciation to the NWC for the opportunity to undertake the assignment, reaffirming its commitment to fairness and credibility.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the Osun State governorship election for August 8, 2026.