Dispute Ends in Osun APC As Omisore Withdraws Court Challenge

The political dispute surrounding the disqualification of several governorship aspirants in Osun State has eased after the campaign team of Iyiola Omisore confirmed that its court case against the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been formally withdrawn.

The announcement signals a major shift in the internal contest ahead of the party’s governorship primary, which had earlier been clouded by legal tension and questions over the screening process.

According to a statement issued by the campaign organisation’s Director General, Ajibola Famurewa, the legal battle began after the APC screening panel reportedly disqualified seven of the eight aspirants seeking the party’s ticket.

The case was filed at the Federal High Court to challenge the legitimacy of that decision.

Famurewa explained that the lawsuit sought judicial clarification on whether a political party could introduce additional eligibility conditions beyond those outlined in Nigeria’s electoral laws.

“Our intention was not to destabilise the party but to seek legal interpretation,” he said. 

“We believed it was necessary to determine whether aspirants who met constitutional requirements could still be barred from the process.”

Court filings argued that Omisore met the constitutional qualifications required to contest for governor under Sections 177 and 182 of the 1999 Constitution.

The suit therefore asked the court to rule that the APC lacked the authority to exclude him from the primary election after fulfilling those provisions.

It also sought an order nullifying the disqualification and compelling the party to recognise Omisore as a legitimate aspirant.

Another request in the case asked the court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any primary election conducted by the APC in Osun until the dispute was resolved.

Case drew public attention

The matter gained widespread attention when it appeared on the Federal High Court’s cause list scheduled for hearing before Justice Adefunmilola Demi-Ajayi earlier this month.

Details of the case circulated online, fueling speculation that the dispute could disrupt the party’s preparation for the forthcoming governorship election.

However, Famurewa clarified that the situation has since changed following consultations with senior figures in the ruling party.

Party leaders intervene

He disclosed that appeals from influential APC leaders eventually persuaded Omisore to drop the case in the interest of party unity.

Famurewa said the intervention of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and elder statesman Bisi Akande played a crucial role in resolving the standoff.

“After extensive discussions with respected leaders of the party, Senator Omisore decided to withdraw the action and respect the collective decision of the APC,” he said.

He added that maintaining unity within the party was considered more important than prolonging a legal confrontation.

Call for unity ahead of election

The campaign organisation also urged party supporters and members of the public to ignore reports suggesting the court case remains active.

Famurewa stressed that attention should now shift toward strengthening the party ahead of the Osun governorship election scheduled for August 15.

“Our focus is now on ensuring cohesion within the APC and preparing for victory at the polls,” he said. “Internal disagreements should not weaken the party’s collective objective.”

The withdrawal of the lawsuit is expected to reduce tension within the APC as political manoeuvring intensifies ahead of the state’s crucial governorship race.