Osun Governorship Primary: APC Bars Omisore, Six Others from Contesting
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified former National Secretary of the Party, Senator Iyiola Omisore, along with six other aspirants, from participating in the Osun State Governorship Primary scheduled for December 13, citing irregularities in their nomination submissions.
The development was confirmed in a report by the APC Screening Committee, which was obtained by Global Mirror News on Friday. The committee urged all stakeholders to reconcile and work toward party unity ahead of the election, emphasizing that resolving disputes is crucial for a credible and transparent primary process.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had previously slated the Osun Governorship election for August 8, 2026. The screening process, led by Chief Obinna Uzoh, Esq., concluded on December 4, 2025, with the report submitted to the APC National Working Committee in Abuja.
According to the report, the disqualified aspirants—Senator Iyiola Omisore, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Benedict Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki, and Senator Babajide Omoworare, failed to submit proof of sponsorship from at least five fully registered and financially up-to-date party members from each Local Government Area in Osun State, as required by Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and Paragraph 6(c) of the party guidelines.
Only Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji were cleared to contest the primary, having fulfilled all constitutional and party guideline requirements, including proper nomination from registered members across all Local Government Areas.
The screening process involved a detailed examination of aspirants’ forms, declarations, and supporting documents, as well as structured interviews to assess knowledge of party rules, preparedness, and suitability. The committee stressed that this methodology ensured a transparent, fair, and objective evaluation.
The report also referenced a petition by the Osun APC Renewal Group, which called for the disqualification of certain aspirants who allegedly did not meet mandatory nomination requirements. The committee concluded that the issues raised were substantial and relevant to maintaining the integrity of the screening process.
“The Committee found that two aspirants, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebanji, satisfactorily met all constitutional and guideline requirements of the APC, including proper nomination by the requisite number of fully registered, financially up-to-date party members from each Local Government Area,” the report stated.
It further noted that the remaining seven aspirants failed to meet the mandatory nomination criteria, making them ineligible for the December 13 primary.
The party’s directive has already stirred reactions among political watchers in Osun, with calls for reconciliation to ensure a united front ahead of the general elections.
