Oyetola Denies Accusations of Interfering in APC Governorship Screening Calls Claims Misleading

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Tensions have continued to build within the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following accusations that former governor Gboyega Oyetola influenced the party’s screening process ahead of its upcoming governorship primary.

According to Gossip News Now, the controversy erupted after several aspirants were barred from participating in the party’s primary election scheduled for December 13. Critics of the process alleged that political interference may have played a role in the outcome of the screening exercise.

Among the most vocal critics is former senator Iyiola Omisore, who claimed that the process was manipulated to benefit a particular aspirant, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji. Omisore alleged that members of the screening panel indicated they were under pressure during the exercise.

In a remark attributed to him during the dispute, Omisore suggested that a phone call allegedly influenced the committee’s decision, claiming the panel chairman hinted at pressure to remove certain contenders from the race so that another candidate could gain an advantage.

However, the allegations have been strongly rejected by Oyetola’s camp. His media aide, Bolaji Akinola, dismissed the accusations and insisted that the former governor had no involvement in the screening exercise.

According to Akinola, the APC’s screening bodies operate independently under the party’s constitution and are empowered to make decisions without interference from party leaders or government officials.

The dispute arose after the APC Screening Committee disqualified seven aspirants, citing inconsistencies and gaps in their nomination documents submitted ahead of the primary election. The decision immediately triggered dissatisfaction among some members of the party.

Those reportedly affected by the decision include a number of prominent political figures such as a former deputy governor, a senior legal practitioner, a businessman, a former presidential aide, and other notable party members who had expressed interest in contesting the governorship ticket.

Among the individuals who did not make it past the screening stage were:

Benedict Alabi, former Deputy Governor of Osun State
Babajide Omoworare, a former presidential aide
Kunle Adegoke (SAN), a Senior Advocate of Nigeria
Dotun Babayemi, businessman and political aspirant
Akin Ogunbiyi, an insurance professional
Babatunde Oralusi, party stakeholder
Iyiola Omisore, former senator

Responding to the controversy, Akinola maintained that Oyetola neither contacted members of the panel nor attempted to influence their decisions in any way. He described the allegations as unfounded and misleading.

“Oyetola did not interfere with the screening process, and there was no attempt from him to manipulate the activities of the committee or its appeal panel,” Akinola said while addressing the issue.

He further explained that the screening and appeal panels were constituted as independent organs within the APC’s internal framework and were responsible for evaluating the eligibility of aspirants based on party rules.

The former governor’s aide also urged aggrieved aspirants to follow established procedures within the party if they wish to challenge the screening results. According to him, the APC provides mechanisms for resolving internal disputes.

Gossip News Now reports that party leaders have also appealed for calm among members as the governorship primary approaches. Maintaining unity within the party, observers say, could be crucial to its chances in the upcoming election.

Commentary and Analysis

Political analysts note that disputes over screening exercises are not uncommon in party primaries, particularly when the contest involves high-profile aspirants. The allegations and counterclaims in Osun highlight the intense competition within the APC as various stakeholders position themselves for influence ahead of the next governorship race.

For the party, the key challenge may be ensuring transparency while also managing grievances from aspirants who feel unfairly treated during the process. How effectively the APC resolves these tensions could significantly impact party cohesion in the months leading up to the election.

Observers believe that if the party’s internal dispute-resolution mechanisms are utilized effectively, the controversy may eventually subside. However, unresolved grievances could deepen internal divisions within the Osun APC.