APC Overturns Ondo Primaries, Names New Candidates for Senate and House Seats
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has annulled the results of several Senate and House of Representatives primaries in Ondo State, stripping eight candidates of their tickets and issuing new nominations to other aspirants.
The NWC reviewed reports from its Primary Election Appeal Committees and approved a fresh list of nominees in line with the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a letter dated June 29, 2026, addressed to the INEC Chairman, the party submitted its final roster of senatorial and House of Representatives candidates for the affected constituencies. The correspondence bears the signatures of APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda and National Secretary Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru.
Two of Ondo’s three senatorial districts saw changes following the review.
In Ondo Central Senatorial District, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN) replaced Dr Taiwo Fasoranti. In Ondo North Senatorial District, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba took the ticket from Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye. The Ondo South Senatorial District ticket remained with Hon. Isaac Kekemeke.
Notably, former Ondo South senator Jimoh Ibrahim, now serving at the United Nations, will not contest again.
Six House of Representatives seats were also affected.
For the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, Hon. Timehin Adelegbe succeeded Hon. Kayode Adejana. In Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency, Hon. Okunjimi John Odimayo replaced Hon. Olumuyiwa Daramola.
In Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency, Hon. Donald Ojogo displaced Mr Akingboye Leke, while Hon. Festus Olarewaju Akingbaso substituted Hon. Rasaq Obe in Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency.
Dr Abiola Makinde lost the APC ticket for Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency to Hon. Dr Michael Olajide Akintomide. In Ile Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency, Oyerinmade Matthew was succeeded by Hon. Festus Ayodele Adefiranye.
Four House candidates retained their nominations: Ifeoluwa Ehindero (Akoko Northeast/Northwest), Adegboyega Adefarati (Akoko Southwest/Southeast), and Omowummi Olatunji – the sole female nominee – for Akure North/South Federal Constituency.
Isaac Kekemeke also kept the Ondo South senatorial slot. Apart from the two returning senators, six House members secured their tickets again, except Prince Abiodun Adesida of Akure North/South and Dr Abiola Makinde of Ondo East/West.
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