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LAGOS – Barrister Olalekan Festus Ojo, Osun State-born human rights lawyer, has described the disqualification of Senator Iyiola Omisore and six other eminent politicians of the state from next year’s governorship race by the All Progressives Congress (APC) as concerning.

Speaking exclusively with Sunday Independent in Lagos on Saturday, Barrister Ojo, a  strong advocate of social justice, and Managing Partner, Platinum & Taylor Hill LP, a leading law firm in Nigeria, maintained that political parties are the bedrock of any democracy, and the quality of leadership they produce is directly linked to the transparency and integrity of their internal processes.

According to Ojo, when individuals with proven records of service, competence, and loyalty to the party are suddenly disqualified: often without clear, objective, or publicly verifiable reasons, it raises legitimate questions.

Recall that the APC on Friday disqualified Senator Iyiola Omisore and six other contestants from the Osun State governorship race.

The six other contestants, who were disqualified ahead of the party primary scheduled for December 13, are, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Mr. Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki Adekunle, and Sen. Babajide Omoworare.

The two aspirants, who were cleared by the screening committee are; Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebanji.

According to the committee, they 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 party’s Screening Committee led by Chief Obinna Uzoh, while submitting its report to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), on Friday at the party National Secretariat, in Abuja, explained reasons why the seven aspirants were disqualified.

The screening committee said that seven out of the nine aspirants, who appeared for the screening exercise on Thursday, December 4, 2025, were disqualified, citing failure to meet the mandatory nomination requirements as reason, for disqualification of the seven aspirants

Barrister Ojo, lamenting the development, told Sunday Independent, “We must remember that political parties owe a duty, not only to their members, but also to the electorate.

“When screening exercises appear selective or influenced by internal power dynamics, rather than fairness and consistency, it erodes public trust.

“It can discourage credible aspirants from participating in future contests and ultimately weakens the party’s capacity to present its best candidates.

“For the APC specifically, the disqualification of eminent politicians at such a strategic time risks deepening internal divisions.

“The party must ensure that its processes align with democratic norms, guided by transparency, merit, and due process. Anything short of that undermines cohesion and public confidence.”

On whether he will be taking part in the Osun governorship election next year or play any partisan role, as speculated by pundits, Barrister Ojo said: “Let me state very clearly: I have no intention of contesting in the Osun governorship election.

“My public engagements, interventions, and commentaries are often misconstrued as political ambition, but they are rooted in my commitment to national development, good governance, and institutional reform, not in a desire to hold elective office at this time.

“My current priorities are firmly anchored in my professional obligations, particularly my work at Platinum & Taylor Hill and the broader legal innovation projects we are advancing.

“These responsibilities require focus and continuity. Entering a political contest would be inconsistent with those commitments.

“That said, I remain fully invested in the progress of Osun State and Nigeria as a whole. My contribution will continue to come through policy advocacy, legal reforms, mentorship, and strengthening institutions, rather than partisan competition.

“I believe one can serve meaningfully outside the arena of electoral politics, and that is the path I am committed to for now.”