Ondo APC: How Aiyedatiwa’s consensus gamble on NASS candidates backfired
NWC Restructures APC Legislative Candidates in Ondo
By Dayo Johnson, Akure
The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, faced significant resistance in its attempt to impose a consensus arrangement for legislative nominations. The situation escalated after the party’s national secretariat rejected Aiyedatiwa’s chosen candidates for both State and National Assembly positions.
Despite the national body’s disapproval, Aiyedatiwa pursued his agenda, ultimately leading to a primary election outcome that saw none of his preferred aspirants make the cut. The Governor, who had expressed intentions to replace most incumbent federal lawmakers, lost ground as the National Working Committee (NWC) overturned the initial primary results.
Primaries and Aftermath
In the weeks leading up to the primaries, Aiyedatiwa had informed stakeholders across Ondo’s three senatorial districts that a consensus candidate model would be favored for the 2026 elections. He actively engaged with local party members, urging support for his candidates and indicating that only two current National Assembly members would likely be renominated, while most state lawmakers would be retained for their loyalty. This strategy conflicted with the national leadership’s preference, which supported retaining several incumbents.
Displeased with the developments, multiple lawmakers sought the intervention of Interior Minister Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for help in addressing their grievances before the party’s Appeal Committee. Their petitions cited alleged manipulation by governmental representatives, including local council chairmen and politically appointed individuals.
NWC’s Intervention
In response to findings from the Appeal Committee, the APC National Working Committee voided the initial primary results. In a letter dated June 29, 2026, addressed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and signed by National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda and National Secretary Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, the NWC introduced a revised candidate list, marking one of the most thorough reviews of APC nominations ahead of the 2027 elections.
The changes affected two of the three senatorial seats and six of the nine House of Representatives districts. Notably, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti was replaced by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN) for the Ondo Central Senatorial District, while Senator Olajide Ipinsagba retained his candidacy for Ondo North, displacing Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye. The Ondo South Senatorial District saw no changes, maintaining Hon. Isaacs Kekemeke as the party’s candidate.
In the House of Representatives, significant shifts occurred, with all six contested constituencies seeing new nominees. For instance, Hon. Donald K. Ojogo replaced Mr. Akingboye Leke in the Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency, while Hon. Dr. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe regained his candidacy in Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, among others. Four candidates retained their nominations following the review.
Protests Emerge
Following the NWC’s decision, protests erupted in Akure, reportedly organized by supporters of the governor. The presidency expressed dissatisfaction, particularly after videos surfaced showing Dr. Seun Osamaye, Commissioner for Women Affairs, and APC Women Leader Princess Iji-Ayola leading demonstrations against the NWC. Security agencies have been instructed to investigate the protest’s organization.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, denied any direct involvement from Osamaye, claiming she merely received the protesters. A party official noted that “Ondo was the only APC state where such a protest occurred” even as the governor sought assistance from party elders in Abuja.
Support for NWC and Call for Unity
The PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, led by Chief Demola Ijabiyi, publicly endorsed the NWC’s decision, applauding the leadership for adhering to party guidelines. Ijabiyi emphasized that the party must prioritize the interests of its members over personal ambitions. The forum urged unity and reconciliation among members ahead of the elections in 2027.
Governor Aiyedatiwa subsequently convened a closed-door meeting with the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) to foster reconciliation and strengthen party solidarity. GAC Chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure, highlighted the importance of unity in overcoming internal disputes typically associated with electoral contests.
The party’s South-West Vice Chairman, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke, reiterated the commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s second term and underscored the need for inclusive decision-making.
Candidates Express Commitment
Successful candidates voiced their calls for unity, acknowledging the importance of collective effort as they move forward. They lauded President Tinubu and the party’s chairman for their leadership and consistency in fairness. In a joint statement, they underscored that unity among party members is essential for ongoing progress.
They also expressed gratitude to Minister Tunji-Ojo for his significant contributions to maintaining party cohesion.
