Osun: Babayemi Reaffirms Loyalty Following APC Governorship Primary Disqualification

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Prince Dotun Babayemi, one of the prominent aspirants seeking the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Osun State, has pledged to remain loyal to the party despite his disqualification from the upcoming primary election.

The primary contest is scheduled for December 13, 2025, ahead of preparations for the 2026 Osun governorship election.

Screening Committee Bars Several Aspirants

Babayemi was among several aspirants ruled ineligible by the party’s screening panel.

The committee cited alleged violations involving party rules, the APC constitution, and provisions contained in the Electoral Act.

Other aspirants who were reportedly affected by the decision include:

Senator Iyiola Omisore – former Deputy Governor and APC National Secretary
Benedict Olugboyega Alabi – immediate past Deputy Governor of Osun State
Akin Ogunbiyi – businessman and politician
Senator Babajide Omoworare – former federal lawmaker
Kunle Adegoke (SAN) – legal practitioner
Babatunde Haketer Oralusi – party member and aspirant

The ruling significantly reduced the number of contestants expected to participate in the party’s internal election.

Mixed Reactions From Disqualified Aspirants

Some of the affected aspirants reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the screening outcome, dismissing the decision as unfair.

However, Babayemi took a different approach by accepting the party’s verdict.

In a statement released to the public, he urged his supporters to remain calm and continue supporting the APC as preparations for the next election cycle continue.

Babayemi Calls for Unity

The governorship hopeful emphasized that his loyalty to the party remains unchanged.

He noted that political ambition should never overshadow the collective goal of strengthening the APC in Osun State.

According to him, maintaining unity within the party is essential if the APC hopes to regain political control in the state during the next governorship election.

Campaign Efforts Across Osun

Reflecting on his campaign activities, Babayemi revealed that he had traveled extensively across the state while seeking support for his ambition.

He said his outreach efforts covered a large portion of the state’s political wards, where he promoted the message of President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

Through these engagements, he stated that he also emphasised the importance of party supremacy and unity among members.

Respect for Party Leadership

Babayemi also acknowledged the role of the APC leadership at both state and national levels in resolving internal disputes.

He expressed confidence that ongoing consultations within the party would eventually strengthen unity ahead of the governorship contest.

He further pledged to respect any decision regarding the party’s eventual candidate for the election.

Focus on Governance Over Personal Ambition

The aspirant reiterated that the ultimate objective of the APC should be to deliver effective leadership to the people of Osun State.

In his view, political competition should remain secondary to the broader goal of improving governance and development in the state.

He stressed that personal ambitions must align with the party’s long-term vision.

Commentary and Analysis

Internal party primaries often generate tensions as aspirants compete for limited political tickets.

Disqualification of candidates during screening processes is not uncommon, particularly when parties attempt to enforce compliance with electoral laws and internal guidelines.

However, how aspirants respond to such decisions can significantly influence party unity.

By publicly accepting the screening outcome, Babayemi appears to be positioning himself as a loyal party figure who prioritizes collective goals over individual political aspirations.

For the APC in Osun State, maintaining cohesion among party members will likely be crucial as preparations intensify for the 2026 governorship election.