Ondo APC: How Aiyedatiwa’s consensus gamble on NASS candidates backfired

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State faced a major setback in his efforts to consolidate control over the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s legislative slate for the 2027 elections. His strategy of imposing a consensus-based selection process for National Assembly candidates was swiftly challenged by the party’s national leadership, leading to a reshuffling of key positions and widespread dissatisfaction among local members. The conflict erupted after the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) rejected the governor’s proposed list of candidates for both state and federal seats. Despite assurances from Abuja, Aiyedatiwa’s team continued pushing forward with their preferred choices. However, the results of the primaries did not align with the governor’s expectations, none of his chosen aspirants advanced. The NWC subsequently overturned the outcomes, citing procedural irregularities and allegations of manipulation by state officials. Aiyedatiwa had initially outlined his plan weeks prior, emphasizing consensus as the guiding principle for selecting candidates. He held meetings across all 18 local government areas, engaging with 203 ward councillors to rally support for his nominees. His vision included retaining most state lawmakers while replacing several federal representatives. This approach, however, clashed with the national leadership's preference for returning multiple sitting legislators. Dissatisfied lawmakers took their grievances to the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, seeking intervention. They accused state operatives, including council chairmen and political appointees, of orchestrating the exclusion of their names from the final list. These petitions were later forwarded to the APC’s Appeal Committee, which recommended the NWC intervene. In response, the NWC issued a revised list of candidates, effectively nullifying the previous selections. The updated list, formally communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on June 29, 2026, marked one of the most comprehensive revisions of APC primaries ahead of the 2027 elections. The changes impacted two of three senatorial districts and six of nine House of Representatives seats. Among the notable adjustments was the replacement of Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti with Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN) for the Ondo Central Senatorial District. In Ondo North, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba retained his position, while Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye was removed. The Ondo South Senatorial District saw no change, with Hon. Isaacs Kekemeke remaining as the APC candidate. The modifications extended significantly to the House of Representatives, where all six affected constituencies underwent new assignments. For instance, Hon. Donald K. Ojogo replaced Mr. Akingboye Leke in the Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency. Similarly, Hon. Festus Olarewaju Akingbaso took over from Hon. Rasaq Obe in the Idanre/Ifedore constituency. Other replacements included Hon. Dr. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe in Owo/Ose, Hon. Okunjimi John Odimayo in Okitipupa/Irele, and Hon. Dr. Michael Olamidotun Akintomide in Ondo East/Ondo West. Despite the sweeping changes, four candidates retained their positions. These included Hon. Isaacs Kekemeke, Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero, Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati, and Hon. Omowunmi Olatunji, who continues as the APC’s candidate for Akure North/Akure. Meanwhile, tensions within the party escalated, with some aspirants challenging the NWC’s decisions in court. Legal practitioners, including those from the firm of Remi Olatubura (SAN), were reportedly engaged to file suits against the NWC’s substitution of names on the candidates' list. One such aspirant, Mr. Razak Obe, warned that unresolved disputes could jeopardize President Bola Tinubu’s prospects in the 2027 presidential election. Chief Olusola Oke, a prominent APC chieftain in Ondo, countered these claims, asserting that the internal strife would not impede Tinubu’s chances. Oke emphasized that the party’s strength and Tinubu’s popularity in the state would secure a decisive victory, dismissing concerns as misrepresentations by disgruntled members. He also criticized Obe’s remarks, noting that they lacked the authority to reflect the collective stance of APC leaders in the state.