Ondo APC crisis worsens as Gov’s loyalists sue NWC over replaced candidates
The crisis trailing the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly primaries in Ondo State has taken a legal turn, with allies of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa filing a suit against the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the outcome of the primaries for the 2027 general elections. The aggrieved […]
The crisis trailing the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly primaries in Ondo State has taken a legal turn, with allies of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa filing a suit against the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the outcome of the primaries for the 2027 general elections.
The aggrieved aspirants, said to be among the governor’s preferred aspirants, during the primaries, have engaged the law firm of Remi Olatubora (SAN) to challenge the results of the primaries and the list of candidates subsequently submitted by the APC to INEC.
The legal action comes barely 48 hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the APC and INEC to maintain the status quo in a similar dispute arising from the party’s primaries in Benue State.
Justice I. E. Ekwo issued the directive while hearing Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1429/2026 filed by aggrieved APC aspirants from Benue.
Party insiders said the development reflects growing discontent within the ruling party following the inability of several governors’ preferred aspirants to secure tickets during the recently concluded primaries.
Among those involved in the suit are Gbenga Elegbeleye (Ondo North Senatorial District), Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti (Ondo Central Senatorial District), Leke Akingboye (Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency), Rasaq Obe (Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency), Kayode Ijalana (Owo/Ose Federal Constituency), Oyerinmade Matthew (Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency) and Olumuyiwa Daramola (Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency).
The plaintiffs are challenging what they described as attempts by the APC to alter the list of candidates that emerged from the primaries monitored by INEC.
They are seeking interim orders restraining the APC from substituting candidates it claimed were validly nominated through its June 29, 2026 correspondence or any subsequent communication to INEC pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Party insiders warned that the litigation, if successful, could impact the APC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections by triggering fresh primaries or changes to the party’s candidate list in some constituencies.
A party chieftain in Abuja, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly on the matter, criticised the decision to challenge the primary outcome in court.
“It is disheartening that Governor Aiyedatiwa, who once benefited from the support of the party leadership, particularly President Bola Tinubu, would now encourage his loyalists who lost the party tickets to seek judicial intervention.”
“No election is perfect. Even elections in America are not perfect. Was the primary that produced him as the APC governorship candidate in 2024 perfect? We are aware that it took the intervention of President Tinubu before Senator Jimoh Ibrahim withdrew his court case challenging the outcome of that primary.
“But in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s case, he wants to rock the boat simply because he did not have his way. Is he truly acting in the interest of the party? He must understand that in politics, one cannot always have one’s way. Since the APC was formed, not every decision taken by the party has favoured President Tinubu.
“It is unfortunate that a governor who has benefited immensely from the national leadership of the party, from the period of his impeachment crisis to his emergence as the governorship candidate, is now encouraging actions that could undermine the party because his preferred aspirants failed to secure the tickets.”
The APC national leadership is said to be closely monitoring the court cases amid concerns that the disputes could deepen divisions within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The governor’s camp is yet to publicly comment on the issue.