Fresh APC Crisis: Gov Aiyedatiwa Suffers Major Setback In Ondo Legislative Ticket Battle

A fresh internal crisis has emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State after the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) overturned the outcome of several legislative primary elections, a move that significantly affected candidates reportedly backed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The development follows weeks of tension over the governor’s alleged attempt to adopt a consensus arrangement ahead of the party’s National and State Assembly primaries.

According to party sources quoted by Vanguard, the disagreement began when the APC national leadership reportedly declined to endorse a list of preferred candidates believed to have been promoted by the governor for federal and state legislative positions.

Despite the reported objections from the party’s national secretariat, Aiyedatiwa’s camp was said to have proceeded with the consensus plan. However, following a review by the National Working Committee, many of the governor’s preferred aspirants lost their tickets.

Ahead of the primaries, the governor reportedly met with party stakeholders across Ondo State’s three senatorial districts, advocating consensus as the preferred method for selecting candidates.

He was also said to have consulted leaders from the state’s 18 local government areas and engaged APC ward officials across the 203 wards, encouraging support for his preferred aspirants.

Sources further claimed that Aiyedatiwa proposed the return of only two serving National Assembly members while allowing most members of the Ondo State House of Assembly to retain their tickets in recognition of their loyalty.

The reported arrangement, however, allegedly put him at odds with the APC national leadership, which was said to favour the return of several incumbent federal lawmakers.

Aggrieved Aspirants Challenge Primaries

Following the conduct of the primaries, some dissatisfied lawmakers reportedly aligned with the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to challenge the exercise before the party’s Primary Election Appeal Committee.

The petitions reportedly accused some state government officials, including local government chairmen and political appointees, of influencing the outcome of the primaries.

After reviewing the complaints, the APC National Working Committee nullified parts of the exercise and approved changes to the party’s list of candidates.

In a letter dated June 29, 2026, and addressed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC submitted a revised list of candidates.

The document, signed by National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda and National Secretary Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, stated that the substitutions were made in line with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.

Several Candidates Replaced

The review affected candidates in two of Ondo State’s three senatorial districts and six of its nine House of Representatives constituencies.

For the Senate, the APC replaced Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti with Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN) as its candidate for Ondo Central Senatorial District.

In Ondo North, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba regained the party’s ticket, replacing Gbenga Elegbeleye, while Isaacs Kekemeke retained the APC ticket for Ondo South.

Significant changes were also made in the House of Representatives contests.

Former Commissioner for Information Donald Ojogo replaced Akingboye Leke in Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency, while Festus Akingbaso emerged as the party’s candidate for Idanre/Ifedore, replacing Rasaq Obe.

Former federal lawmaker Oluwatimehin Adelegbe reclaimed the APC ticket for Owo/Ose, displacing Kayode Adejana.

The party also substituted Olumuyiwa Daramola with Okunjimi Odimayo in Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency.

In Ondo East/Ondo West, Michael Olamidotun Akintomide replaced Abiola Makinde, while Festus Adefiranye emerged in place of Oyerinmade Matthew for the Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency.

Despite the extensive review, four candidates retained their tickets. They include Isaacs Kekemeke (Ondo South Senatorial District), Ifeoluwa Ehindero (Akoko North East/Akoko North West), Adegboyega Adefarati (Akoko South East/Akoko South West), and Omowunmi Olatunji, who remains the APC’s candidate for Akure North/Akure South and the party’s only female National Assembly candidate in the state.

Protests Trail NWC Decision

The NWC’s decision sparked protests in Akure, with reports alleging that supporters of Governor Aiyedatiwa participated in demonstrations against the outcome.

There were also claims that the Presidency was displeased after videos circulated online showing the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Seun Osamaye, and the APC Women Leader, Princess Iji-Ayola, at protests directed at the party’s national leadership and President Bola Tinubu.

Reports further suggested that security agencies had been asked to investigate those behind the demonstrations.

However, the Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Idowu Ajanaku, dismissed claims that Osamaye participated in the protest, insisting that she merely received the demonstrators.

Reacting to the controversy, a party chieftain criticised the protests, arguing that Ondo was the only APC-controlled state where such demonstrations occurred.

Meanwhile, the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum endorsed the National Working Committee’s decision.

The group, led by Chief Demola Ijabiyi, praised the party leadership for upholding fairness and due process, saying the review reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to its constitution and internal regulations rather than individual interests.