APC NWC Set to Decide Fate of Disqualified Osun Governorship Aspirants on Monday

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The leadership of the All Progressives Congress is preparing to determine the political future of several governorship hopefuls in Osun State after a review of appeals challenging their earlier disqualification from the party’s primary race.

At the centre of the decision-making process is the party’s National Working Committee, which is expected to examine the findings of a screening appeal panel that recently concluded its deliberations in Abuja. The committee serves as the highest administrative authority within the party and will ultimately decide whether any of the affected aspirants should be reinstated.

Appeal Panel Completes Review Process

The review body, chaired by Tolu Odebiyi, spent two days examining petitions filed by aspirants who were disqualified during the party’s screening exercise.

According to sources familiar with the proceedings, the sessions allowed the affected candidates to present supporting documents and arguments in defence of their eligibility to participate in the primary election.

Seven aspirants are seeking to overturn their disqualification, including prominent political figures such as:

Iyiola Omisore
Benedict Olugboyega Alabi
Dotun Babayemi
Akin Ogunbiyi
Babajide Omoworare
Kunle Adegoke
Babatunde Haketer Oralusi

Their disqualification had earlier been recommended by a screening committee headed by Obinna Uzor.

Two Aspirants Cleared for Primary

While several candidates are contesting their exclusion, the appeal panel reportedly confirmed that two aspirants fully satisfied the party’s requirements.

Those cleared include:

Mulikat Adeola Jimoh
Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji

The panel concluded that both individuals met the party’s constitutional guidelines as well as the relevant provisions of Nigeria’s electoral laws.

Next Steps in the APC Primary Process

The appeal committee will forward its report through the office of the party’s National Organising Secretary before it is formally discussed by the NWC.

The outcome of this review could reshape the final lineup of candidates contesting the governorship ticket.

In preparation for the primary election, the APC has scheduled a sequence of internal activities. These include:

A delegate congress to select voting delegates
A follow-up process to review complaints arising from that congress
The final governorship primary election set for mid-December 2025

Commentary and Analysis

Internal party primaries are often among the most contested stages of Nigeria’s political process, especially in states with strong political competition such as Osun.

Appeal panels play an important role in ensuring that aspirants who feel unfairly treated during screening exercises have an opportunity to present their case. However, the final authority typically rests with party leadership bodies like the National Working Committee.

Political analysts note that the outcome of the APC’s deliberations could significantly influence the political landscape in Osun State. The choice of candidate will likely shape alliances within the party and determine how competitive the governorship race becomes in the upcoming election cycle.

As the party moves closer to its primary election date, the NWC’s decision will be closely watched by party members, political observers, and voters across the state.