Former senator Iyiola Omisore has strongly criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) over its decision to disqualify him and six other aspirants from participating in the party’s primary election. Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television on Tuesday, Omisore described the action as “an embarrassment” and “a complete joke,” insisting that the party overstepped its legal authority.





According to Omisore, the APC does not have unfettered powers to bar aspirants from contesting and must operate within the limits of the law. He argued that the situation reflects deeper internal issues that contributed to the party’s defeat in the 2022 Osun State governorship election, suggesting that unresolved grievances and imposition of candidates continue to weaken the party’s structure.





Omisore also accused the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun governor, Gboyega Oyetola, of masterminding the disqualification of the affected aspirants. He claimed that the process was heavily influenced by personal interests rather than fairness or party unity.





Among those who eventually stepped down from the race was former Deputy Governor Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, alongside other aspirants whose names were not publicly disclosed.





Following a series of negotiations and internal consultations, the meeting concluded with a unanimous endorsement of Bola Oyebamiji as the party’s consensus candidate. Oyebamiji, who previously served as Osun State Commissioner for Finance, is now set to represent the APC in the 2026 governorship election, where he will face incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.





Omisore’s remarks have added fuel to the already heated political atmosphere in Osun State, raising questions about party cohesion and the APC’s preparedness ahead of the next election cycle.