APC Primaries: Aspirants Defy Aiyedatiwa’s Consensus Picks In Ondo, Obtain Nomination Forms

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State is facing a deepening internal crisis as seven aspirants, including serving lawmakers, have openly defied the party’s consensus arrangement by obtaining nomination forms ahead of the primaries.

At a stakeholders meeting attended mostly by his commissioners and council chairmen, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced the following as his preferred aspirants to emerge as candidates:

Ondo north senatorial candidate-Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye; Segun Ategbole(Akoko South federal constituency; Aro Wele(Owo/Ose);  Central senatorial- Taiwo Fashoranti(for senate); Wunmi Edet (Akure federal constituency); Ade Fisioye(Idanre/Ofedore) and Abiola Makinde (Ondo).

In the south senatorial district, Governor Aiyedatiwa announced his kinsman from same federal constituency, Isaac Kekemeke as senatorial candidate while AdeDaramola(Okitipupa/Irele), Mathew Oyerinde (Odigbo/Okeigbo) and Leke Akingboye (Ilaje/Ese-Odo) were unveiled for the three federal constituencies.

But at least 10 aspirants within the party have outrightly rejected the consensus arrangement.

Leading the charge against the governors choices is Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, senator representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, who broke the ice by picking up his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms two days ago.

Also, a two time member of the House of Representatives, Mayowa Akinfolarin who is eyeing the south senatorial seat has equally picked his forms in readiness for tie party’s primary.

Next in line is Agboola Ajayi, who has also obtained the senatorial form under the APC. He is joined by Jimi Odimayo, an incumbent House of Representatives member, who secured his form as well.

Barr. Morayo Lebi has also obtained the APC Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to run for the Senate in Ondo South. He expressed strong confidence in his campaign, assuring supporters that he is determined to win the APC primaries.

Following closely is Hon. Donald Ojogo, member representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, whose recent actions underscore growing resistance within the party, particularly in Ondo South, where the consensus arrangement appears to be rapidly collapsing.

Additionally, Hon. Festus Olanrewaju Akingbaso, commonly known as Fessy West, who is the current serving representative for the Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has also picked up his nomination form and assured his constituency of securing re-election under the APC.

Other aspirants who obtained theirs include: Oluwatimehin Adelegbe (Owo/Ose), Adegboyega Adefarati(Akoko South), and Festus Adefiranye (Odigbo/Okeigbo). They are all incumbent federal lawmakers seeking reelection.

As at the time of this report, Barr. Kehinde Ikuyinminu has officially announced his candidacy for the House of Representatives in Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency by obtaining his APC nomination form on Wednesday.

The actions of these aspirants signal a coordinated push by key political figures to pursue tickets through competitive primaries rather than party-imposed consensus

In separate interviews with our correspondent, several contenders confirmed their plans to obtain nomination forms and contest in the primaries.

“We will purchase our forms and test our popularity at the primaries,” one lawmaker stated anonymously. Another aspirant dismissed the consensus plan entirely, declaring, “I will pick my form and run, only God can stop that”, he added.

A party source in Abuja reiterated that aspirants retain the right to contest if the consensus lacks broad acceptance. This growing defiance highlights widening cracks within the APC structure in Ondo State, raising concerns over internal cohesion ahead of the elections.

Shortly after picking his forms, Ojogo said: “All our aspirations and desires are secondary; that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is primary and takes an untouchable precedence. Anyone who wants the president to win handsomely will not undertake actions that undermine and threaten the fortunes of our party”.

Also, in a statement, Barr. Ikuyinminu expressed his sincere appreciation to His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his continued fatherly role and unwavering commitment to ensuring a consensus candidate emerges among the aspirants.

He acknowledged the invaluable leadership and guidance of the Governor in fostering unity and progress within the party. He also extended his gratitude to Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the APC, for his tireless efforts in promoting fairness and ensuring a level playing field for all.

He thanked the stakeholders in Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency and his supporters across all 23 wards for their steadfast encouragement and belief in their shared vision.

“I humbly count on your continued support as we move forward together,” Ikuyinminu concluded.