[EXCLUSIVE] Osun 2026: ‘Disqualified’ APC candidates to meet in Abuja today, decide on what next

Sequel to the report of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee for the Osun state governorship primary barring seven out of the nine candidates seeking the party’s ticket, the affected candidates have fixed a meeting for Saturday (today), December 6 in Abuja and may hold a joint press conference, NewsClick Nigeria can authoritatively report. 

Sources close to four of the aspirants confided in NewsClick Nigeria said they were highly disappointed in the screening committee’s action.

“The aspirants feel the committee’s verdict was premeditated and ‘cooked’ to serve a selfish end. They are meeting in Abuja today and will jointly address the press on what their next action is. The aspirants are politically exposed and won’t raise dusts if the disqualification was justified. I don’t the party will be able to manage the fallout from this if it is allowed to stand. And the aspirants don’t care as this has the modus operandi of APC, particularly in Osun,” a party official in the state told NewsClick Nigeria on phone.

Recall that the committee 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.”

Meanwhile, 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.

 

Oyetola behind disqualifications, may end up making APC lose Osun again – Party chieftains 

Some party chieftains are of the opinion that except the party’s NWC or President Bola Tinubu steps in to effectively manage the fallouts from the disqualifications, the party may find it difficult reclaiming power in the state.

They accused the immediate past governor of the state and Minister of Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola of being behind the disqualifications. According to them, party faithfuls, particularly those in the grassroots detest his leadership style and personality.

“It is clear that APC is on the verge of losing the election in Osun before it even starts. It is like a hallmark for the party to make repeated mistakes every election year therefore handing victory over to other parties. The disqualification of seven out of nine candidates based on some flimsy excuses is clearly orchestrated by Oyetola who is desperate to remain the party leader and governor by proxy by installing his anointed.

Oyetola is very unpopular as a party leader in the state and many party faithfuls in the grassroots detest his leadership style and personality.

Those who defer to him are doing so strictly because of the President whom many still love and would want him to continue in 2027,” a party leader in Osogbo said.

 

Osogbo Youth Group Condemns APC Over Disqualification

The Osogbo Progressive Youths Movement (OPYM) has criticized the party leadership over the disqualification seven of the candidates including AbdulRasheed Adekunle Adegoke, SAN, (popularly known as K-RAD).

In a press release signed by its convener, Comrade Jimoh Oyekola Ajayi, the group described the decision as a “political statement” aimed not only at the aspirant but at the entire Osogbo community. According to OPYM, the disqualification sends a message that despite the city’s long-standing loyalty and electoral contributions to the APC, its people are not considered worthy of leadership positions within the party.

Ajayi stated that Osogbo has consistently delivered votes and stood firmly with the APC “through every storm,” only to be sidelined at a critical moment when fairness was expected. He accused the party hierarchy of reinforcing a pattern of marginalization that has left Osogbo feeling “rejected and undervalued.”

The group also took a swipe at individuals within and outside the city who were said to be celebrating the disqualification. OPYM described such actions as betrayal, warning that “history has a long memory” and would not forget those who worked against the collective interest of Osogbo.

Despite the setback, OPYM maintained that the movement for equity and political inclusion remains unwavering. The organization emphasized that although it has accepted the screening outcome peacefully, it rejects what it sees as a broader attempt to reduce Osogbo’s political relevance in the state.

“We have not accepted that Osogbo must remain second-class in a state it has helped build with sweat, loyalty, and sacrifice,” the statement read.

The group reaffirmed its support for Adegoke SAN, praising him for his courage in bringing long-standing grievances to the fore. It also reiterated its commitment to advocating for fairness and justice within the political landscape.