The All Progressives Congress has removed former National Secretary Iyiola Omisore and six other aspirants from its Osun State governorship primary, ruling that their nomination documents did not meet mandatory party requirements.
The decision was contained in a report submitted to the APC National Working Committee on Friday, December 5, by the screening panel led by Chief Obinna Uzoh, which concluded its work on December 4.
The committee said the affected aspirants failed to provide the required sponsorship from five duly registered and financially up-to-date party members in every Local Government Area of the state, a condition clearly stated in the APC Constitution and its 2025 primary guidelines.
According to the report, it stated that, “The Committee observed that seven aspirants—Sen. Iyiola Omisore, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Mr. Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki Adekunle, and Sen. Babajide Omoworare—failed to meet the mandatory nomination requirement of being sponsored by five fully registered and financially up-to-date members from each Local Government Area, contrary to 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 two contenders, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, met all conditions and were approved to participate in the December 13 primary.
Explaining how the vetting was conducted, the panel stated: “Examination of documents and materials: All forms, declarations, supporting materials, and attachments submitted by aspirants were thoroughly reviewed to verify their authenticity and compliance with statutory and party requirements.
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“Each aspirant underwent a structured interview session during which the Committee assessed their knowledge of party rules, personal preparedness, adherence to nomination requirements, and overall suitability.
“This methodology ensured a transparent, fair, and objective evaluation process.”
The committee also confirmed receiving a petition from the Osun APC Renewal Group seeking the disqualification of the two cleared aspirants.
In its findings, it noted: “Upon careful review, the Committee found the issues raised in the petition to be weighty, substantial, and relevant to the integrity of the screening process.
“In the interest of fairness, transparency, and uniform application of the Party’s rules, the Committee resolved that the concerns highlighted should not be applied selectively.”
Highlighting the deep divisions within the Osun APC, the panel urged the party’s leadership to immediately initiate reconciliation efforts to strengthen unity ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
It advised that party positions, appointments, and campaign roles be broadly shared across all political blocs to prevent further marginalisation.