By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
A former Deputy Governor of Osun State and former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Iyiola Omisore, and six others have been barred from contesting in the APC’s governorship primary in the state over gaps and irregularities in their nomination processes.
Others barred from the election alongside Omisore are Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Oyedotun Babayemi, Benedict Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki, and Senator Babajide Omoworare.
This was contained in the report of the APC’s Screening Committee released on Friday, December 5, ahead of the party’s December 13 governorship primary.
The Screening Committee, led by Chief Obinna Uzoh, concluded its proceedings on December 4, and submitted its report to the APC National Working Committee in Abuja on Friday.
The committee’s report urged stakeholders to reconcile for party unity ahead of the election next year, stressing that resolving disputes is key to a credible process.
The report stated that the aspirants did not submit proof of sponsorship from at least five fully registered and financially current party members from each Local Government Area in Osun State, as stipulated by Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and Paragraph 6(c) of the party guidelines.
It noted that only Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji were approved to participate in the primary election.
The report read: “In carrying out its assignment, the committee adopted the following screening process:
“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.
“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 further noted that it received a petition from the Osun APC Renewal Group calling for the disqualification of the two aspirants who were said to have failed to meet the mandatory nomination requirements set out in the APC constitution and the party’s guidelines for the governorship primary.
The report added: “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.
“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 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.”
The committee noted that the party’s structure in Osun State remains deeply divided, urging unity among all factions and groups and fairness in appointments, offices, and campaign roles.
