Osun Guber 2026: ‘Biggest Joke of the Year’ – Omisore Blasts APC Disqualification as ‘Partisan Witch-Hunt,’ Eyes Appeal Overturn

By Emmanuel Kwada 

In a blistering attack on the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, former National Secretary and Osun State governorship aspirant Senator Iyiola Omisore has branded his disqualification from the party’s primary as the “biggest joke of the year,” alleging a rigged process marred by partisanship, multiple fabricated reports, and pressure to favor a shadowy “preferred candidate.”

Speaking to journalists after his appearance before the APC Appeal Committee in Abuja on Saturday, the ex-deputy governor vowed that he and six other barred contenders would fight for reinstatement, warning that the scandal exposes deep factionalism threatening the party’s chances against incumbent PDP Governor Ademola Adeleke in the 2026 polls.

The APC’s Screening Committee, chaired by Chief Obinna Uzoh, dropped the hammer on Friday, disqualifying Omisore alongside Benedict Olugboyega Alabi (former deputy governor), Dotun Babayemi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Kunle Adegoke (SAN), and Babatunde Haketer Oralusi for allegedly failing to submit proof of nomination by at least five fully registered and dues-paying party members from each of Osun’s 30 local government areas, as mandated by Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and the 2025 primary guidelines.

Only two aspirants; Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji—were cleared to proceed to the December 13 shadow primary, a decision that has ignited accusations of orchestration to pave the way for a comeback by ex-Governor Gboyega Oyetola, who was defeated by Adeleke in 2022.

Omisore, a heavyweight in Osun politics with a history as deputy governor under Olagunsoye Oyinlola and a pivotal role in the APC’s 2018 national convention, dismissed the panel’s rationale as baseless and procedurally flawed. “That panel report is the biggest joke of the year. It is unfortunate that partisanship has been taken beyond politics,” he fumed, claiming the committee drafted “multiple reports” and submitted a doctored version to the National Secretariat. “As we speak, none of us has been shown the report or told why we were disqualified.”

Escalating the drama, Omisore revealed that the screening panel chairman privately confessed to succumbing to external pressures aimed at sidelining major contenders. “The chairman told us he was under pressure. Unfortunately, we are all victims of this,” he said, stopping short of naming names but fueling speculation—echoed in social media chatter—pointing to Oyetola’s camp as the puppet master.

He further shredded the nomination shortfall claim, noting the party’s access to its membership database for verification. “He who alleges must prove,” Omisore retorted, insisting the onus lies with the accusers.

The Osun APC, long plagued by infighting between Oyetola loyalists and rivals like Omisore (who backed Oyetola’s 2018 victory but has since clashed over influence), now teeters on the brink of implosion, the screening report itself admitting the factionalism risks electoral defeat.

“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?” Omisore queried, expressing optimism that the National Working Committee (NWC) would reverse the decision upon review.

All seven disqualified aspirants are slated for individual hearings before the Appeal Committee, led by Senator Tola Odebiyi, with Omisore demanding “fairness and transparency” to salvage the process.

Supporters’ groups have already mobilized, debunking early “disqualification” rumors and rallying behind Omisore as a unifying force.

As whispers of court challenges grow, analysts see this as a microcosm of the APC’s broader struggles in the Southwest, where internal sabotage could hand Adeleke a second term on a platter.

The NWC has yet to respond, but with the primary just a week away, time is of the essence—and Osun’s political tinderbox is one spark from explosion.