Tension is mounting within the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress as the party’s National Working Committee convenes today to decide the fate of seven governorship hopefuls earlier barred from participating in the December 13 primary.
The meeting, holding at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, is expected to consider the report of the Osun Screening Appeal Committee, which reviewed the petitions of the disqualified aspirants over two days.
Those seeking a reversal of their disqualification include former National Secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore; former Deputy Governor Benedict Olugboyega Alabi; Dotun Babayemi; Akin Ogunbiyi; Senator Babajide Omoworare; Kunle Adegoke (SAN); and Babatunde Haketer Oralusi.
The initial disqualification came from the screening committee led by Barrister Obinna Uzor, which cleared only two aspirants — Mulikat Jimoh and Bola Oyebamiji — after ruling that they met the constitutional and electoral criteria for the primary.
A member of the appeal panel, chaired by Senator Tolu Odebiyi, described the engagements as cordial but thorough, noting that each aspirant submitted documents and defended their eligibility before the panel concluded its review.
The committee’s recommendations are set to be transmitted to the NWC through the National Organising Secretary for deliberation today, a decision many party stakeholders believe will shape the party’s unity and electoral outlook ahead of the Osun governorship contest.
Meanwhile, the APC has scheduled its delegate congress for tomorrow, December 9, with the appeal session holding on December 10 — all leading up to the December 13 primary election.
