The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified prominent party chieftain Iyiola Omisore and six other aspirants from participating in its forthcoming governorship primary election in Osun State.
The decision was taken by the party’s screening committee, which cited non-compliance with constitutional and guideline requirements governing eligibility for the primary. According to the committee, the affected aspirants failed to submit valid evidence of sponsorship by at least five fully registered and financially up-to-date APC members from each of the state’s local government areas, as required by the party’s rules.
The requirement is clearly stated under Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution, as well as Paragraph 6(c) of the party’s governorship primary guidelines. The committee maintained that adherence to these provisions is mandatory and not subject to waiver.
Those disqualified alongside Omisore include former Osun State Deputy Governor, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi; former legislator Dotun Babayemi; business executive Akin Ogunbiyi; former Senator Babajide Omoworare; constitutional lawyer Kunle Adegoke (SAN); and Babatunde Haketer Oralusi.
In contrast, the screening committee cleared two aspirants—Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and the current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji—to contest the governorship primary, having satisfied all constitutional and procedural requirements.
Party sources said the screening exercise was aimed at ensuring internal democracy, transparency, and strict compliance with party rules ahead of the primary election, which is expected to shape the APC’s strategy for reclaiming Osun State.
Reactions are already emerging within party ranks, with supporters of the disqualified aspirants calling for a review of the process, while others insist the APC must enforce its constitution to preserve credibility and discipline within the party.