Ondo APC Crisis: How Aiyedatiwa’s Consensus Strategy for NASS Tickets Unraveled

The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, faced strong resistance from the outset over its attempt to impose a consensus arrangement for legislative tickets.

The political crisis began after reports indicated that the party’s national secretariat rejected Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s preferred list of candidates for both the State and National Assembly elections.

Despite the apparent directive from Abuja, the governor’s camp proceeded with its plans, pushing ahead with the primaries.

In the weeks leading up to the exercise, Aiyedatiwa met with stakeholders across the state’s three senatorial districts, where he promoted consensus as the preferred method for selecting candidates ahead of the 2026 elections.

He also toured all 18 local government areas and held meetings with 203 ward councillors, urging them to support his preferred aspirants. Reports further claimed the governor said only two serving National Assembly members would secure return tickets, while most incumbent state lawmakers would be retained in recognition of their loyalty.

However, the outcome of the primaries dealt a major blow to the governor’s political strategy. None of his preferred aspirants emerged victorious, as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) reportedly overturned the results, frustrating his reported plan to replace most incumbent federal lawmakers.

Acting on the Appeal Committee report, the APC National Working Committee, NWC, voided the initial results. In a letter dated June 29, 2026 to INEC, jointly signed by National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda and National Secretary Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, the NWC released a revised list.

For the Senate, the NWC replaced Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti with Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN) as the APC candidate for Ondo Central Senatorial District. In Ondo North, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba was returned as the party’s candidate, replacing Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye.

In Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency, former Information Commissioner, Hon. Donald K. Ojogo, replaced Mr. Akingboye Leke. Hon. Festus Olarewaju Akingbaso emerged as the candidate for Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency, displacing Hon. Rasaq Obe.

For Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, the NWC restored former lawmaker, Hon. Dr. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, in place of Hon. Kayode Adejana. At the same time, Hon. Okunjimi John Odimayo replaced Hon. Olumuyiwa Daramola in Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency.

They lauded President Bola Tinubu and the party’s chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, for providing leadership defined by uncommon candour, an unyielding commitment to fairness, and unwavering dedication to equity.

“Division is a luxury we cannot afford. Our unity is more important,” they said in a joint statement.

To the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the candidates said that his “thoughtful interventions at the most critical moments, especially within our state, created the very conditions that made this journey possible”.