The screening committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has barred ex‑National Secretary Iyiola Omisore and six other aspirants from contesting the Osun State governorship primary set for December 13.

The decision was based on gaps and irregularities identified in their nomination documents.

The committee, chaired by Chief Obinna Uzoh, urged all stakeholders to reconcile differences and work toward party unity ahead of the primary.

In its report delivered on Friday, the committee said the disqualified aspirants failed to meet required standards in their nomination processes. While the identities of all barred aspirants were not immediately disclosed, Omisore is confirmed among them.

The committee insisted resolving internal disputes was essential for a credible primary and future electoral success in Osun State.

Though the primary is slated for December 13, the formal election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is scheduled for August 8, 2026.

The screening committee encouraged party members to rally behind valid aspirants and avoid fragmenting support ahead of the polls.

It stated that the aspirants, former Osun State Deputy Governor, Omisore, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Benedict Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki, and Sen. Babajide Omoworare, did not submit proof of sponsorship from at least five fully registered and financially current party members from each Local Government Area in Osun State, as stipulated by Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and Paragraph 6(c) of the party guidelines.

Only Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji were approved to participate in the primary election.

The report read in part: “In carrying out its assignment, the Committee adopted the following screening process:

“Examination of documents and materials: All forms, declarations, supporting materials, and attachments submitted by aspirants were thoroughly reviewed to verify their authenticity and compliance with statutory and party requirements.

“Each aspirant underwent a structured interview session during which the Committee assessed their knowledge of party rules, personal preparedness, adherence to nomination requirements, and overall suitability.

“This methodology ensured a transparent, fair, and objective evaluation process.”

The report noted that the Committee received a petition from the Osun APC Renewal Group calling for the disqualification of the two aspirants who were said to have failed to meet the mandatory nomination requirements set out in the APC Constitution and the party’s guidelines for the governorship primary.

It stated: “Upon careful review, the Committee found the issues raised in the petition to be weighty, substantial, and relevant to the integrity of the screening process. In the interest of fairness, transparency, and uniform application of the Party’s rules, the Committee resolved that the concerns highlighted should not be applied selectively.

“The Committee found that two aspirants, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebanji, satisfactorily met all constitutional and guideline requirements of the APC, including proper nomination by the requisite number of fully registered, financially up-to-date party members from each Local Government Area.

“The Committee observed that seven aspirants, Sen. Iyiola Omisore, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Mr. Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki Adekunle, and Sen. Babajide Omoworare, failed to meet the mandatory nomination requirement of being sponsored by five fully registered and financially up-to-date members from each Local Government Area, contrary to Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution, as well as Paragraph 6(c) of the APC Guidelines for the 2025 Governorship Primary.”

The Committee noted that the Party’s structure in Osun State continues to be deeply divided.

The report added, “It is therefore recommended that the National Leadership immediately establish a robust reconciliation mechanism to unify all factions and groups. A harmonised party is essential for a credible primary and success at the gubernatorial election.

“To foster broad inclusion and minimise feelings of marginalisation, the Party should ensure that political appointments, party offices, and campaign roles are evenly distributed across all zones, blocs, and interest groups within the State.

“The Committee expresses its profound gratitude to the NWC and the leadership of the APC for the confidence reposed in us, the members, to undertake this important assignment. We affirm our unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness and credibility that define our Party.”

The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has announced plans for a nationwide n@ked protest to demand the payment of outstanding pension increment arrears and palliative allowances.

The demonstration is scheduled for December 8, unless the government meets their demands beforehand.

The coalition’s National Chairman, Mukaila Ogunbote, who also heads the pensioners’ chapter at NIPOST, disclosed the plan in a statement issued Friday in Lagos.

Ogunbote said pensioners have been left in limbo despite government approval in 2023 for a pension increment of ₦32,000 and a ₦25,000 palliative allowance.

“The Federal Ministry of Finance and the Accountant General’s Office are not taking us seriously, so all pensioners must come out en masse to fight for the injustice,” he said.

The coalition demands that payments be made before the protest date, otherwise the demonstration will go ahead.

The planned protest will take place in the Federal Capital, Lagos and across all states. Key locations include the offices of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) and the stations of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

Ogunbote urged leaders and members of pensioner‑affiliated organizations nationwide to mobilize.

Of the noble men and women who stood firm for our liberty and freedom from repressive colonial subjugation, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai is the last man standing. Born a hundred years ago in Kano City, Alhaji Yakasai exemplifies a purposeful life, carving out a meaningful legacy despite humble beginnings.

Disturbed by the injustice and maltreatment he witnessed under colonial rule, he chose to join the fight for Nigeria’s liberation. As a young man, Baba Yakasai channelled his energy into the struggle for the emancipation of his people and the rest of the country as a freedom fighter, journalist, and frontline political activist.

His activism led him to join hands with comrades in the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), led by the visionary radical Mallam Aminu Kano. Through NEPU, Yakasai and his co-travellers launched a massive awakening campaign in Northern Nigeria, igniting the fire for the Independence struggle.

In the aftermath of Nigeria’s Independence in 1960, Yakasai maintained an abiding faith in the country and its development. He played several significant roles, including serving as State Commissioner in Kano under Military Governor Audu Bako and as Special Assistant on National Assembly Liaison to President Shehu Shagari during the Second Republic.

In both youth and old age, Yakasai remains a shining example of commitment to Nigeria. He is a consensus builder who consistently weighs in on the side of national cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and democratic consolidation.

In celebrating Baba Yakasai today, I am not only celebrating the man and his personal achievements, but also a century of dedicated service to freedom and democracy and many years of supporting me and the progressive cause.

I am pleased to join family, friends and associates to celebrate the life and commitment of Alhaji Tanko Yakasai as he turns 100 on December 5.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief
Federal Republic of Nigeria
December 4, 2025