Verified information reaching NewsClick Nigeria has it that the All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee for the Osun state governorship primary has barred seven out of nine aspirants seeking the party’s ticket.
The party had earlier scheduled Saturday, December 13 for the primary election while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) picked Saturday, August 8 for the governorship poll.
NewsClick Nigeria reports that the screening ended on Thursday and submitted its report to the party’s National Working Committee in Abuja on Friday. The committee in the report cited gaps and irregularities in the affected candidates’ nomination processes. It also urged stakeholders to reconcile for party unity ahead of the election, stressing that resolving disputes is key to a credible process.
The Screening Committee, led by Chief Obinna Uzoh, Esq., in it’s report stated that the barred aspirants—former Osun State Deputy Governor Iyiola Omisore, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Benedict Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki (K-RAD), and Sen. Babajide Omoworare—did not submit proof of sponsorship from at least five fully registered and financially current party members from each Local Government Area in Osun State, as stipulated by Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and Paragraph 6(c) of the party guidelines.
Only Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji were cleared to participate in the primary election.
The report read in part: “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.
“This methodology ensured a transparent, fair, and objective evaluation process.”
The report noted that the Committee received a petition from the Osun APC Renewal Group calling for the disqualification of the two aspirants who were said to have failed to meet the mandatory nomination requirements set out in the APC Constitution and the party’s guidelines for the governorship primary.
It stated: “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.
“The Committee found that two aspirants, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebanji, 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.
“The Committee observed that seven aspirants—Sen. Iyiola Omisore, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Mr. Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki Adekunle, and Sen. Babajide Omoworare—failed to meet the mandatory nomination requirement of being sponsored by five fully registered and financially up-to-date members from each Local Government Area, contrary to Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution, as well as Paragraph 6(c) of the APC Guidelines for the 2025 Governorship Primary.”
The Committee also noted that the Party’s structure in Osun State continues to be deeply divided.
It continued: “It is therefore recommended that the National Leadership immediately establish a robust reconciliation mechanism to unify all factions and groups. A harmonised party is essential for a credible primary and success at the gubernatorial election.
“To foster broad inclusion and minimise feelings of marginalisation, the Party should ensure that political appointments, party offices, and campaign roles are evenly distributed across all zones, blocs, and interest groups within the State.
“The Committee expresses its profound gratitude to the NWC and the leadership of the APC for the confidence reposed in us, the members, to undertake this important assignment. We affirm our unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness and credibility that define our Party.”
Affected aspirants fault screening process, appeal committee’s ban
Meanwhile, impeccable sources at the party’s national secretariat confided in NewsClick Nigeria that a couple of the affected aspirants have appealed the ‘ban’.
According to them, the development has caused some sort of confusion and dissaffection amongst candidates and their supporters.
“Majority of those affected have filed for appeal and I’m sure the party hierarchy here in Abuja will do the needful. If you’re sure of your political relevance then create a fair play ground for players to test their strengths. This is a poorly written and acted script obvious to even political newbies.”
A party official privy to developments in the state chapter told this medium that the two cleared candidates are those anointed by the immediate past governor of the state and now Minister of Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. According to the source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the only female amongst the candidates, Alhaja Mulikat Abiola Jimoh was only smuggled in on the day of the screening.
“Confirmed! They have disqualified everybody except Oyetola’s candidates. Alhaja Mulikat only came into the picture some two days ago. She was planted to further divide the electioneering. She’s a known supporter of AMBO. We have pictures of her adorning AMBOs’s campaign materials with one carrying the inscription ‘Mama AMBO’.
It is all a dishonest disqualification. How come it is their anointed aspirants alone who met “their” requirements?,” the official said.
Another insider source who simply identified himself as Oyinade said the screening outcome has former Governor Oyetola’s handwritten all over it hence spirited moves by political actors in the state to pull the party structure from him.
“Many APC members are looking for any opportunity that will help them relieve Oyetola of his leadership of the party in the state. And a sure way is to have a governor that is not beholden to him.
AMBO could win in only a direct primary election. He couldn’t have won an indirect primary election. Oyetola isn’t sure of his own popularity,” Oyinade explained.
None of the affected candidates have officially reacted to the disqualification as at the time of filing this report.
