The All Progressives Congress Screening Committee has cleared only two aspirants, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, to contest in the Osun State governorship primary scheduled for December 13, while former APC National Secretary Iyiola Omisore and six others have been barred over gaps in their nomination documents.
The committee’s report, submitted to the APC National Working Committee in Abuja on Friday, stated that the disqualified aspirants failed to provide proof of sponsorship from at least five fully registered and financially up-to-date party members from each Local Government Area in Osun State, a requirement contained in Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and Paragraph 6(c) of the party’s guidelines.
Those disqualified include former Deputy Governor Iyiola Omisore, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Benedict Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki and Senator Babajide Omoworare.
The committee, chaired by Chief Obinna Uzoh, concluded its work on December 4 and explained that every aspirant’s documents, declarations and attachments were checked to confirm authenticity and compliance with party rules.
Each aspirant was also interviewed to assess their knowledge of party processes and readiness for the contest.
A petition submitted by the Osun APC Renewal Group had earlier questioned the qualification of the two cleared aspirants.
The committee said it reviewed the issues raised and noted that the concerns were weighty, but insisted that Jimoh and Oyebamiji met all constitutional and guideline requirements, including proper nomination by party members across all LGAs.
The panel maintained that the same standard was used for all aspirants, stressing that the gaps in the nomination papers of the seven disqualified aspirants could not be overlooked.
It added that Osun APC remains divided and advised the party leadership to immediately set up a reconciliation mechanism to bring all factions together before the August 8, 2026 governorship election.
It also recommended balanced distribution of appointments, party roles and campaign positions to prevent exclusion and reduce tension.
The committee expressed appreciation to the APC leadership for the opportunity to handle the assignment and pledged continued commitment to fairness and credibility in the party’s internal processes.
