In a dramatic political development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has barred seven prominent aspirants from participating in its upcoming governorship primary election in Osun State. The party's screening committee took the decisive action, citing a failure by the aspirants to meet mandatory nomination requirements.
Only Two Aspirants Cleared for the Race
The APC Screening Committee, chaired by Chief Obinna Uzoh, submitted its report to the party's National Working Committee (NWC) on Friday, December 5, 2025. The report confirmed that only two aspirants were found to be in full compliance with all constitutional and documentary requirements for the primary, scheduled for December 13, 2025.
The cleared candidates are Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji. The committee stated that the duo successfully complied with the crucial sponsorship rule. This rule mandates endorsement by at least five fully registered and financially up-to-date APC members from each Local Government Area in Osun state.
Why Seven Heavyweights Were Disqualified
The committee disclosed that the seven disqualified aspirants failed to meet the same mandatory sponsorship requirement. Their submissions contained gaps that "constituted a breach" of specific party regulations.
The breaches were against Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and Paragraph 6(c) of the party’s 2025 governorship primary guidelines.
The list of disqualified aspirants includes major political figures:
- Sen. Iyiola Omisore (Former APC National Secretary)
- Babatunde Haketer Oralusi
- Oyedotun Babayemi
- Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi
- Benedict Olugboyega Alabi
- Adegoke Rasheed Okiki Adekunle
- Sen. Babajide Omoworare
The committee's decision was influenced by a petition from the Osun APC Renewal Group, which demanded strict adherence to the nomination rules. The panel described the allegations in the petition as weighty and substantial, insisting that applying the rules selectively would damage the process's integrity.
Committee Warns of Deep Divisions, Calls for Reconciliation
Expressing serious concern, the screening panel highlighted the lingering divisions within the Osun APC. It warned that unresolved internal wrangling could jeopardise the credibility of the primary and the party's chances in the general election.
The committee urgently recommended that the APC national leadership "immediately activate a robust reconciliation mechanism". This move is seen as critical to unifying all blocs, factions, and interest groups ahead of the gubernatorial election set for August 8, 2026, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
To reduce tensions, the report suggested a fair distribution of appointments, campaign roles, and party positions across all senatorial districts and interest blocs in the state.
The panel defended its work as transparent and objective, affirming its commitment to fairness. It urged all stakeholders to prioritise unity for the crucial Osun 2026 governorship election.
PDP Consolidates as APC Grapples with Crisis
This internal crisis within the APC comes as the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has already settled its candidate. Adebayo Adedamola emerged as the PDP governorship candidate during the party's primary election held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
The political landscape was further stirred when Governor Ademola Adeleke defected from the PDP just hours before that party's primary on Monday, December 1, 2025. The unfolding drama in the APC now sets the stage for a highly competitive and unpredictable race for the Osun State Government House.
