APC Screening Panel Disqualifies Omisore, Six Others

The All Progressives Congress (APC) screening panel has disqualified former party National Secretary Iyiola Omisore and six other aspirants from participating in the Osun State governorship primary scheduled for December 13, citing major gaps in their nomination documents.

Party officials familiar with the process said the committee’s findings were submitted to the National Working Committee (NWC) on Friday after days of evaluating documents and interviewing the aspirants. The report warned that unresolved internal disputes could threaten the credibility of the selection process if the party does not intervene quickly.

Committee Flags Documentation Gaps and Calls for Reconciliation

According to the committee’s assessment, the affected aspirants failed to present the required sponsorship evidence from fully registered and financially up-to-date members across every local government area, a key condition outlined in the APC constitution and the 2025 primary guidelines. Aspirants must show endorsements from at least five compliant members per local government, but the committee said the submissions from Omisore and the others did not meet this threshold.

Only two aspirants — Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, were cleared to contest. Their paperwork, the committee noted, matched the constitutional standards and satisfied the nomination requirements.

While the screening panel reviewed submitted forms, declarations, and supporting documents, it also held structured interviews to assess the aspirants’ understanding of party rules, preparedness for the election, and overall suitability. This method, the committee explained privately, was adopted to ensure objectivity as disagreement over the governorship ticket has deepened tensions within the Osun APC.

The panel also confirmed receiving a petition from the Osun APC Renewal Group, which sought the disqualification of some aspirants on the grounds that they did not meet mandatory nomination requirements. After examining the claims, the committee concluded that the issues raised were substantial enough to warrant a uniform application of the rules.

Omisore Declares Intention To Contest Osun 2026 Governorship Election

Party Warned To Resolve Internal Divisions Ahead of 2026 Poll

Beyond the disqualifications, the committee expressed concern about lingering factional disputes within the Osun APC. It recommended that the national leadership set up a strong reconciliation mechanism to prevent further divisions before the governorship election scheduled by INEC for August 8, 2026.

The panel further advised that political appointments, campaign responsibilities, and party offices be distributed fairly across all blocs to prevent feelings of exclusion that could weaken the party’s performance in 2026.