The All Progressives Congress screening committee disqualified seven aspirants from the Osun State governorship primary on Friday in Abuja. The move followed a thorough review of documents and interviews that uncovered failures to meet party sponsorship rules. Only two candidates gained clearance for the December 13, 2025, vote ahead of the August 8, 2026, election.
The committee, chaired by Chief Obinna Uzoh, stressed fairness and uniform rule application. It acted on a petition from the Osun APC Renewal Group that highlighted serious gaps in compliance. Aspirants fell short by not providing proof of backing from at least five registered, dues-paying members in each local government area.
The barred candidates include:
– Senator Iyiola Omisore
– Babatunde Haketer Oralusi
– Oyedotun Babayemi
– Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi
– Benedict Olugboyega Alabi
– Adegoke Rasheed Okiki Adekunle
– Senator Babajide Omoworare
Cleared contenders are Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
The panel urged national leaders to launch reconciliation efforts right away. It called for balanced sharing of appointments and roles to heal deep party rifts in Osun. Such unity, officials said, remains key to a strong primary and victory at the polls.
This setback stirs fresh pain in a race already marked by sharp divides. Aspirants and supporters who poured hearts into bids now face closed doors, their dreams deferred by rules that bind yet bruise. Osun’s people deserve choices that mend, not widen, the fractures.
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