OSOGBO: The All-Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee has disqualified former party National Secretary Senator Iyiola Omisore and six other aspirants from participating in the party’s Osun State governorship primary scheduled for December 13, 2025.
The committee cited gaps and irregularities in the aspirants’ nomination documents as the reason for their disqualification.
According to the screening report submitted to the APC National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja on Friday, the affected aspirants failed to comply with the party’s mandatory nomination requirements.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the Osun governorship election for August 8, 2026.
The Screening Committee, chaired by Chief Obinna Uzoh (SAN), concluded its assignment on December 4, 2025, after reviewing documents and conducting interviews with all aspirants.
The report stated that seven aspirants — Sen. Iyiola Omisore, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Benedict Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki Adekunle, and Sen. Babajide Omoworare — failed to submit valid proof of sponsorship by at least five fully registered and financially up-to-date APC members from each Local Government Area in Osun State, as required by the party’s constitution and guidelines.
The committee said this contravened Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution, as well as Paragraph 6(c) of the APC Guidelines for the 2025 governorship primary.
Only Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebanji were cleared to participate in the primary election.
In outlining its methodology, the committee said it adopted a transparent and objective screening process that included detailed examination of documents and structured interview sessions.
“All forms, declarations, supporting documents, and attachments submitted by aspirants were thoroughly reviewed to verify compliance with statutory and party requirements, the report stated.
Each aspirant was also interviewed to assess knowledge of party rules, readiness for office, adherence to nomination requirements, and overall suitability.
The committee disclosed that it received a petition from the Osun APC Renewal Group, which challenged the eligibility of some aspirants based on alleged non-compliance with nomination rules.
After reviewing the petition, the committee described the issues raised as “weighty, substantial, and relevant, insisting that party rules must be applied uniformly to all aspirants.
It maintained that only Jimoh and Oyebanji met all constitutional and guideline requirements.
Beyond the screening outcome, the committee expressed concern over deep divisions within the APC in Osun State and urged the party’s national leadership to act swiftly.
“It is recommended that the National Leadership immediately establish a robust reconciliation mechanism to unify all factions and groups within the state,” the report said.
The committee stressed that party unity is critical to conducting a credible primary election and achieving success in the forthcoming governorship contest.
It further advised inclusive distribution of party offices, appointments, and campaign roles across all political blocs and zones in Osun State to reduce grievances and internal discontent.
The committee concluded by thanking the APC leadership for the confidence reposed in it, reaffirming its commitment to fairness, transparency, and credibility in party processes.
