Omisore Hits Back at APC Screening Panel
Former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, has described his disqualification from the party’s Osun governorship primary as “a huge joke,” accusing the screening panel of partisanship and procedural violations.
Omisore spoke to journalists after appearing before the APC Appeal Committee on Saturday in Abuja, insisting that the screening panel’s report lacked credibility and was influenced by external pressure. He and six other aspirants were previously disqualified for allegedly failing to meet certain nomination requirements.
“That panel report is the biggest joke of the year. It is unfortunate that partisanship has been taken beyond politics. We know the panel produced multiple reports, and the one submitted to the secretariat was not the original. As we speak, none of us has been shown the report or told why we were disqualified,” Omisore said.
Allegations of Political Interference
Omisore went further, alleging that the panel chairman privately admitted being pressured to disqualify all major aspirants in favour of a preferred candidate.
“The chairman told us he was under pressure. Unfortunately, we are all victims of this,” he added.
He also challenged the panel’s claim that the aspirants lacked the required number of nominators, arguing that the party leadership had full access to the membership register and could have easily verified the details.
“He who alleges must prove,” Omisore declared.
Procedural Violations and Party Divisions
The former deputy governor highlighted procedural lapses in the screening process. He noted that none of the disqualified aspirants had received formal notification or explanations for their alleged infractions. Omisore described the screening process as marred by partisanship, external influence, and multiple conflicting reports.
He also warned that the disqualification of seasoned politicians risked deepening internal divisions within the Osun State APC, potentially jeopardising the party’s chances in the 2026 governorship election.
“Even the committee’s own report said the party is factionalised and at risk of losing the election. So what exactly are we talking about?” he queried.
Appeal Panel and the Road Ahead
All seven disqualified aspirants, including Omisore, are set to appear individually before the APC appeal panel. Omisore expressed confidence that the National Working Committee (NWC), would overturn the screening panel’s decision, stressing the need for fairness and transparency in the process.
“The process must be guided by fairness and transparency. We are hopeful that justice will prevail,” he said.
Omisore’s defiant stance has intensified tensions within the Osun State APC, as the party seeks to resolve internal disputes ahead of the primaries scheduled for December 13, 2025. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the party can reconcile its internal divisions or risk weakening its position for the 2026 governorship race.
