The National Working Committee, NWC, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, will convene on Monday to consider and ratify the report of the Osun State Screening Appeal Committee, which reviewed the cases of seven governorship aspirants earlier disqualified from participating in the party’s December 13 primary election.
The five-member appeal panel, chaired by Senator Tolu Odebiyi, met with the aspirants over a two-day period and has concluded its findings ahead of its formal submission to the NWC at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Those appealing 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.
Prior to the appeal, the screening committee led by Barrister Obinna Uzor had cleared only Hon. Mulikat Adeola Jimoh and Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, confirming that the two aspirants met all constitutional and electoral guidelines required for participation in the primary.
The seven others were referred to the NWC for final decision-making.
A member of the appeal committee described the review sessions as constructive, noting that each aspirant presented documents and arguments to justify their appeals.
“The exercise was peaceful and conducted in a cordial, family-like atmosphere,” the panel member said.
The committee’s recommendations will be transmitted to the NWC through the office of the National Organising Secretary for deliberation during Monday’s meeting.
Meanwhile, the party has scheduled the delegate congress and its corresponding appeal for December 9 and 10, respectively, ahead of the governorship primary slated for December 13.