A former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has criticized his exclusion from the party’s Osun State governorship primary, labeling the decision as “a complete farce.” Omisore accused the screening panel of bias and procedural breaches, claiming that former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola influenced the process to favor Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.

The APC Screening Committee had disqualified Omisore and six other aspirants due to alleged irregularities in their nomination documents. The affected individuals, including Babatunde Oralusi, Oyedotun Babayemi, and Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, were barred from participating in the December 13 governorship primary. According to the committee, they failed to submit proof of sponsorship from at least five registered party members in each Local Government Area, as stipulated in the APC Constitution and party guidelines.

Only Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji were deemed eligible to contest the primary. Omisore disputed the basis for the disqualification, stating that none of the aspirants received formal communication regarding the alleged breaches. He argued that the party leadership has access to the membership register, rendering the disqualification process unnecessary.

Omisore met with the APC Screening Appeal Panel, along with other affected aspirants, to address the issue. He expressed confidence that the National Working Committee would revisit the matter and potentially reverse the decision, citing signs of factionalism within the Osun APC. The development has raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the party’s nomination process.

The disqualification of prominent aspirants like Omisore has significant implications for the Osun State governorship primary. The APC’s internal conflict may impact the party’s chances in the upcoming election. As the situation unfolds, the National Working Committee’s response will be closely watched to ensure a fair and transparent nomination process. The appeal panel’s decision will be crucial in determining the outcome of the primary and the party’s future in Osun State.