All Progressives Congress screening committee bars Omisore, six other aspirants ahead of governorship race
The Screening Committee of All Progressives Congress (APC) has barred Iyiola Omisore and six other aspirants from contesting in the Osun State governorship primary slated for December 13, 2026
Penpushing reports that the committee cited gaps and irregularities in their nomination processes and urged stakeholders to reconcile for party unity ahead of the election, stressing that resolving disputes is key to a credible process.
The Chief Obinna Uzoh led Screening Committee concluded its proceedings on December 4, 2025, and submitted its report to the All Progressives Coongress(APC) National Working Committee on Friday in Abuja
Penpushing further reports that the report stated that the aspirants—former Osun State Deputy Governor Omisore, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Benedict Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki, and Senator Babajide Omoworare—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.
The report has it that only Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji were approved to participate in the primary election, and equally adopted some screening process which include examination of documents among others
‘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’, the report read.
“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’, it added
Penpushing also reports that the report stated that the Committee received a petition from the Osun state All Progressives Congress (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 party constitution and the party’s guidelines for the governorship primary.
“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.’, it stated
“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.”
Penpushing reports that the committee pointed out that the party’s structure in Osun State continues to be deeply divided, and therefore, recommended that national leadership of the party to establish reconciliation mechanism
“It is therefore recommended that the National Leadership immediately establish a robust reconciliation mechanism to unify all factions and groups. A harmonised party is essential for a credible primary and success at the gubernatorial election’, the report read.
“To foster broad inclusion and minimise feelings of marginalisation, the Party should ensure that political appointments, party offices, and campaign roles are evenly distributed across all zones, blocs, and interest groups within the State’, it added.
“The Committee expresses its profound gratitude to the NWC and the leadership of the APC for the confidence reposed in us, the members, to undertake this important assignment. We affirm our unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness and credibility that define our Party.”
Penpushing further reports that it would be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had set the Osun State governorship elections for August 8, 2026.
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