Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has dismissed allegations that the minister influenced the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening process for the upcoming Osun governorship primary.
In a statement on Sunday, Akinola described the claims made by some aspirants as “baseless, misleading and totally false.”
He stressed that Oyetola played no direct or indirect role in the decisions of either the APC Screening Committee or the Screening Appeal Panel, noting that both bodies are independent organs empowered by the APC Constitution.
“Oyetola did not—and could not have—meddled in the screening exercise or the affairs of the screening bodies,” Akinola said, adding that any suggestion of undue influence was “wrong, unfair and completely unfounded.”
Akinola stated that Oyetola has always upheld fairness, transparency and respect for party rules, saying the former Osun governor remains committed to internal democracy.
He urged aggrieved aspirants to use the APC’s official channels for complaints and dispute resolution. He also reaffirmed Oyetola’s commitment to party unity, discipline and the overall interest of Osun residents.
The controversy follows the APC Screening Committee’s decision on Friday to disqualify Sen. Iyiola Omisore and six other aspirants, citing gaps and irregularities in their nomination documents ahead of the Dec. 13 primary.