Ondo APC: Governor Aiyedatiwa's consensus candidate gamble fails

An attempt by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to install consensus candidates for legislative tickets has backfired, with the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) rejecting his preferred list. The governor's gamble to replace most incumbent federal lawmakers and retain loyal state legislators faced stiff opposition from the party's national secretariat.

Despite signals from Abuja, Aiyedatiwa's camp proceeded with their choices. However, at the conclusion of the primaries, none of his favored aspirants secured the tickets. Displeased lawmakers, who felt their positions were threatened, rallied around the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to challenge the results at the party's Appeal Committee. Their petitions alleged manipulation by state government agents, including council chairmen and political appointees.

Acting on the Appeal Committee's report, the APC National Working Committee (NWC) voided the initial results and released a revised list of candidates. This extensive review, detailed in a letter dated June 29, 2026, to INEC and jointly signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary, aimed to comply with due process and electoral guidelines. The shake-up impacted two of the three senatorial seats and six of the nine House of Representatives seats.

Notable changes include the replacement of Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti with Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN) for Ondo Central Senatorial District and Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye with Hon. Olajide Ipinsagba for Ondo North. The Ondo South Senatorial District ticket remained unchanged. In the House of Representatives, six constituencies saw fresh substitutions, with former Information Commissioner Hon. Donald K. Ojogo replacing Mr. Akingboye Leke in Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency, and Hon. Festus Olarewaju Akingbaso emerging as the candidate for Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency.