The race for the Osun State governorship ticket under the All Progressives Congress (APC) has narrowed sharply after the party’s Screening Committee disqualified former National Secretary of the APC, Senator Iyiola Omisore, along with six other aspirants from participating in the December 13 primary election. The development marks a dramatic shift in the internal contest ahead of the 2026 governorship poll scheduled for August 8.
In its report submitted to the APC National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja, the committee said the disqualified aspirants failed to meet critical nomination criteria, particularly the requirement for sponsorship by at least five fully registered and financially up-to-date party members from each Local Government Area. Only Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and former Finance Commissioner Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji were cleared to contest the primary.
The committee emphasized that its decision was rooted in strict adherence to procedural fairness and transparency. “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,” the panel stated in its assessment. It added that “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.”
Beyond the disqualifications, the committee expressed concern over deepening internal divisions within the Osun APC. It urged the party leadership to initiate an immediate reconciliation process to prevent further factionalisation as preparations intensify for the 2026 election. The panel warned that unresolved conflicts could weaken the party’s chances and stressed the need to present a united front in the coming months.
