The political atmosphere in Osun State has been charged with controversy following the disqualification of seven prominent governorship aspirants by the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening committee. Among the affected is the party's former National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, who has publicly rejected the decision, labeling it as politically motivated.
The Allegation of External Influence
In a stunning revelation, Senator Omisore alleged that the chairman of the APC Screening Committee informed the disqualified aspirants that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, directly ordered their removal from the race. According to Omisore, the minister's instruction was to clear the path for his preferred candidate, Wale Oyebamiji.
"He told us that Minister Gboyega Oyetola called him that they must disqualify all of us because he wants his lackey, his poster boy, Oyebamiji," Omisore stated. He described the entire process as a "politically-motivated hatchet job" that could severely undermine the party's chances in the 2026 governorship election.
Contradictory Reports and a Flawed Process
Omisore further raised serious concerns about the integrity of the screening process. He claimed the panel generated multiple, contradictory reports, with the version submitted to the APC national secretariat differing from what he believes is the authentic document. None of the seven disqualified aspirants has officially received a copy of the report or a detailed explanation for their exclusion, he added.
The APC committee had stated that the aspirants were disqualified for failing to meet mandatory nomination requirements. Only two aspirants were cleared to participate in the primary. The committee subsequently urged the party's national leadership to commence reconciliation efforts to ensure a credible primary and eventual electoral success.
Broader Political Context and Reactions
This incident occurs amidst other significant political shifts in Osun State. Recall that Omisore had previously claimed that the current governor, Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was making efforts to defect to the APC, describing him as a "political orphan." Furthermore, the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, recently stepped down from the Osun governorship race, citing a focus on party building.
The collective rejection of the disqualification by six of the seven affected aspirants, led by Omisore, signals potential internal strife within the Osun APC. The allegation of a high-powered figure manipulating the primary process from Abuja could fuel discontent among party loyalists and stakeholders in the state.
The unfolding situation presents a critical test for the APC's internal democratic processes and its ability to manage ambitions ahead of a crucial election. How the national leadership handles the reconciliation call will significantly impact the party's unity and prospects against the incumbent PDP administration.
