Iyiola Omisore has not commented on his disqualification. The former APC National Secretary was barred from the party’s Osun governorship primary. The primary is scheduled for December 13 in Osun State.

Six other aspirants were also disqualified. They include Benedict Alabi, a former Deputy Governor of Osun State. Also on the list are Babajide Omoworare, ex-Senior Special Assistant to the President on Legislative Matters. Kunle Adegoke, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was also barred. Businessman Dotun Babayemi and insurance expert Akin Ogunbiyi faced similar outcomes. Babatunde Oralusi completes the list of disqualified candidates.

The screening committee, led by Obinna Uzoh, gave reasons for the disqualifications. Aspirants failed to provide sponsorship proof. This proof needed to come from at least five registered and financially current party members. These members must be from each local government area in the state. This requirement aligns with Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution. It also follows Paragraph 6(c) of the party’s guidelines.

Only two aspirants were cleared to participate. They are Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Oyebamiji. This was confirmed in the committee’s official report.

The report outlined a thorough screening process. It involved examining all submitted documents and supporting materials. Structured interviews were also conducted. These steps assessed aspirants’ knowledge of party rules and their preparedness. Overall suitability for the governorship role was also evaluated.

The committee also considered a petition. It came from the Osun APC Renewal Group. The petition sought the disqualification of two aspirants. These aspirants reportedly failed mandatory nomination requirements. These rules are detailed in the APC Constitution.

The committee reviewed the petition carefully. It deemed the issues “weighty, substantial, and relevant.” The concerns impacted the integrity of the screening process. For fairness and transparency, the committee decided. Party rules must be applied uniformly, not selectively.

Jimoh and Oyebamiji met all requirements. They complied with constitutional and guideline mandates. This included proper nomination. They were nominated by the required number of registered party members. These members were also financially up-to-date.

Omisore has remained silent despite being a prominent aspirant. He has not commented on his disqualification. His spokesperson, Jamiu Olawumi, requested more time. Olawumi is a former special assistant to the governor on education. He has been Omisore’s spokesperson throughout his gubernatorial ambition.

“We are on top of it,” Olawumi stated. He added that the issue “is being addressed.” He asked for time to react, telling a Punch correspondent to “Call me back.”

Subsequent attempts to reach him were unsuccessful. He did not answer calls or respond to messages.

Another loyalist close to Omisore also declined to comment. This individual requested anonymity.

Reactions from Disqualified Aspirants

Two disqualified governorship aspirants have spoken out. They criticised the Screening Committee’s decision. Speaking anonymously to Saturday Punch, they called it an “attempt to impose a candidate.”

One aspirant expressed confusion and concern. “This is very interesting and weird,” they remarked. They questioned the identity of the “financial members.” They asked about their emergence, payment dates, and payment accounts. The aspirant also sought details on calls for payment and displayed lists. “Can we even have their individual proof of payment?” they challenged. They concluded, “This is strange incense on the altar of progressive politics.”

An aide to another disqualified aspirant called the decision “bad politics.” This applies to the APC in Osun State. The aide accused a party leader. This leader, they alleged, is trying to impose a preferred aspirant.

The aide warned of severe repercussions. “A party in opposition cannot play this kind of politics,” he stressed. He suggested the “overconfidence and desperation” stem from Governor Adeleke’s “current misfortune.” He questioned if this divisive path would persist if Adeleke resolved issues. “Have they forgotten Ogbeni Aregbesola?” he asked. The aide doubted if “financial party members” held enough votes for victory. He also questioned if disqualified candidates and their nominators would vote joyfully. “This is blind and desperate politics,” he stated. He hoped state party leaders would address the issue. This, he said, would prevent further degeneration.