The All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a significant step in its Osun governorship primary election process, scheduled for December 13, 2025, by disqualifying several high-profile politicians from participating. According to a report submitted by the seven-member screening committee, led by Barrister Obinna Uzor, notable figures such as former Deputy Governor and ex-National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, and another former Deputy Governor, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, have been barred from the race.
The screening committee’s decision, detailed in a six-page report endorsed by all members, was influenced by a petition from the Osun APC Renewal Group. The petition alleged that certain aspirants did not meet the mandatory nominator requirements outlined in the party’s constitution and guidelines. After a thorough review, the committee found the issues raised to be substantial and applicable to the integrity of the screening process. Consequently, the same standards were applied to all nine aspirants, ensuring fairness and uniform application of the rules.
The committee’s assessment revealed that only two aspirants, Hon. Mulikat Adeola Jimoh and Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, fulfilled all necessary conditions and are cleared to participate in the primary election. These aspirants 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.
In contrast, Senators Omisore and Omoworare, along with Dotun Babayemi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Alabi, Kunle Adegoke (SAN), and Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, did not satisfy the mandatory requirement of securing nominations from at least five financially compliant party members in each local government. This condition is stipulated in the APC Constitution and the 2025 Governorship Primary Guidelines.
The cases of the six disqualified aspirants have been forwarded to the National Working Committee (NWC) for a final assessment and possible clearance ahead of the primary election. Meanwhile, the Screening Appeal Committee, led by Senator Tola Odebiyi, is expected to convene in Abuja to consider petitions from the disqualified aspirants and any other aggrieved party members. This development marks a crucial stage in the Osun governorship primary election process, with the final outcome potentially influencing the state’s political landscape.