Nigeria's APC shakes up Ondo National Assembly candidates list

The National Working Committee (NWC) of Nigeria's All Progressives Congress (APC) has significantly altered the party's National Assembly candidate list for Ondo State, overturning the results of some primaries. This move comes after the NWC reviewed reports from the party's Primary Election Appeal Committees.

The revised list, officially communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on June 29, 2026, introduces new candidates in two of the state's three senatorial districts and impacts six House of Representatives constituencies. The party stated that this final list adheres to the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.

In the Ondo Central Senatorial District, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN) has been named the candidate, replacing Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti. Similarly, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba will represent Ondo North, taking over from Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye. The Ondo South Senatorial District remains unchanged, with Hon. Isaac Kekemeke securing the ticket.

Notable changes also occurred in the House of Representatives races. Hon. Timehin Adelegbe replaces Hon. Kayode Adejana in the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, and Hon. Okunjimi John Odimayo is the new candidate for Okitipupa/Irele, succeeding Hon. Olumuyiwa Daramola. In Ilaje/Ese Odo, Hon. Donald Ojogo takes the place of Mr. Akingboye Leke, while Hon. Festus Olarewaju Akingbaso replaces Hon. Rasaq Obe in Idanre/Ifedore.

Further adjustments include Dr. Michael Olajide Akintomide replacing Dr. Abiola Makinde for Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency, and Hon. Festus Ayodele Adefiranye securing the ticket for Ile Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo, replacing Oyerinmade Matthew. However, several candidates successfully retained their nominations, including Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero (Akoko North East/North West), Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati (Akoko South East/South West), Hon. Omowunmi Olatunji (the party's sole female House of Representatives candidate), and Prince Abiodun Adesida. Six incumbent House members and two senators, Ipinsagba and Adegbonmire, secured return tickets.