Osun Governorship Race: APC Screening Committee Disqualifies Omisore, Six Others Ahead of Primary

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee has disqualified former National Secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore, and six other aspirants from contesting in the Osun State governorship primary scheduled for December 13, citing inconsistencies and gaps in their nomination documentation.

In its report, sighted by our correspondent on Friday, the committee urged stakeholders to prioritise reconciliation to strengthen party unity ahead of the 2026 governorship election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the poll for August 8, 2026.

The committee, chaired by Chief Obinna Uzoh, Esq., concluded its assignment on December 4, 2025, and submitted its findings to the APC National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja on Friday.

According to the report, the affected aspirants; Sen. Omisore, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Benedict Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki, and Sen. Babajide Omoworare, failed to provide proof of sponsorship by at least five fully registered and financially up-to-date party members from each Local Government Area, as required under Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and Paragraph 6(c) of the party’s guidelines.

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

Detailing its screening methodology, the committee stated: “All forms, declarations, supporting documents, and attachments submitted by aspirants were thoroughly reviewed to verify authenticity and compliance with statutory and party requirements.

“Each aspirant also underwent a structured interview to assess their understanding of party rules, personal preparedness, adherence to nomination guidelines, and overall suitability.”

The committee disclosed that it received a petition from the Osun APC Renewal Group, which sought the disqualification of the two cleared aspirants for allegedly failing to meet nomination requirements. However, after reviewing the petition, the panel ruled that both Jimoh and Oyebamiji met all constitutional and guideline obligations, including proper nomination by eligible party members across all LGAs.

In contrast, the seven disqualified aspirants were found to have fallen short of the mandatory sponsorship requirement, a violation the committee described as fundamental to the integrity of the screening process.

The report also highlighted deep-seated divisions within the Osun APC, warning that the party’s fractured structure could undermine its chances in the forthcoming election if not urgently addressed.

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

“To foster inclusion and minimise grievances, political appointments, party offices, and campaign roles should be fairly distributed across all zones, blocs, and interest groups in the state.”

The committee expressed appreciation to the APC National Working Committee for entrusting it with the assignment and reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, transparency, and credibility in the party’s internal processes.