The All Progressives Congress Screening Committee has ruled that former All Progressives Congress National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, alongside six other governorship aspirants, will not be allowed to participate in the party’s Osun State governorship primary scheduled for December 13, 2025.
According to the committee, their decision was based on significant gaps discovered in the nomination submissions made by the affected aspirants. The details were contained in the committee’s report, which was made available on Friday and emphasised that proper reconciliation among party stakeholders remains essential ahead of the governorship election.
Okay News reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission earlier set the Osun State governorship election date for August 8, 2026, creating heightened expectations within the political landscape of the state.
The Screening Committee, chaired by Chief Obinna Uzoh, Esq., concluded its work on December 4, 2025, before submitting a comprehensive report to the All Progressives Congress National Working Committee in Abuja. In its findings, the panel explained that Senator Omisore and the other aspirants failed to present evidence showing they were sponsored by at least five fully registered and financially up-to-date party members from each Local Government Area. This requirement is mandated by Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the All Progressives Congress Constitution, as well as Paragraph 6(c) of the party’s guidelines.
Only two aspirants, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, fulfilled all screening conditions and were cleared to contest in the primary election.
The committee highlighted its procedures, stating: “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.’”
The panel maintained that this approach ensured transparency and fairness at every stage of the exercise.
The committee also disclosed that it received a petition from the Osun All Progressives Congress Renewal Group raising concerns about the qualification of the two aspirants who eventually scaled the screening. After a detailed review, the panel determined that the issues raised were significant but must be applied uniformly to maintain fairness.
It said: “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 further reaffirmed that Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji met all required nomination standards, while Senator Iyiola Omisore, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Mr. Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki Adekunle, and Senator Babajide Omoworare failed to meet the nomination sponsorship mandate for each Local Government Area.
The committee added that internal divisions within the Osun State chapter of the party persist and called upon the national leadership to introduce “a robust reconciliation mechanism” to unify all camps before the primaries.
The report concluded by expressing appreciation to the National Working Committee, stating that the committee remained committed to fairness and credibility.
