Osun APC Primary: Omisore, Six Others Barred Over Nomination Irregularities

 

In a significant development ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee has disqualified former National Secretary Iyiola Omisore and six other aspirants from participating in the party’s governorship primary slated for December 13.

According to the committee’s report obtained on Friday, the aspirants failed to meet the mandatory sponsorship requirement, which requires endorsement from at least five fully registered and financially up-to-date APC members from each Local Government Area (LGA) in Osun State.

The disqualified aspirants include:

Sen. Iyiola Omisore

Babatunde Haketer Oralusi

Oyedotun Babayemi

Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi

Benedict Alabi

Adegoke Rasheed Okiki

Sen. Babajide Omoworare

Only Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebanji were cleared to contest.

The report, submitted by Chief Obinna Uzoh, Esq., to the APC National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja on Friday, outlined the screening process, which included document verification and structured interviews assessing aspirants’ knowledge of party rules, preparedness, and overall suitability.

The Committee also noted receiving a petition from the Osun APC Renewal Group calling for the disqualification of candidates who failed to meet nomination requirements. After careful review, the Committee deemed the concerns valid and consistent with the party’s constitution and guidelines.

Highlighting internal divisions, the Committee recommended that the APC National Leadership immediately establish reconciliation mechanisms to unite all factions and ensure a credible primary. It urged inclusive distribution of political appointments, party offices, and campaign roles across zones, blocs, and interest groups in the state.

The APC has emphasized that a harmonized party structure is critical for success in the upcoming governorship election, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled for August 8, 2026.