Some aspirants loyal to Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa have taken legal action to contest the results of the recently held All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly primaries in the state.
The aspirants, who did not secure the party’s tickets, have sued the APC National Working Committee (NWC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the conduct of the primaries and the list of candidates submitted to the electoral body.
Aspirants Involved in the Lawsuit
Party sources told Vanguard that the aggrieved –>
Party sources told Vanguard that the aggrieved politicians resorted to litigation after expressing dissatisfaction with how the primaries were conducted and the subsequent nomination of candidates. They have engaged the law firm of Remi Olatubora (SAN) to pursue the case.
Among the plaintiffs are Gbenga Elegbeleye, who sought the Ondo North Senatorial District ticket, and Taiwo Fasoranti, aspirant for the Ondo Central Senatorial District. Others include Leke Akingboye (Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency), Rasaq Obe (Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency), and Kayode Ijalana (Owo/Ose Federal Constituency). Also challenging the process are Oyerinmade Matthew (Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency) and Olumuyiwa Daramola (Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency).
Relief Sought and Implications
The aspirants are asking the court to scrutinise the conduct of the primaries and verify whether the candidate list forwarded by the APC to INEC truly reflects the outcome of the exercise.
Party insiders say the legal challenge has raised concerns among some APC stakeholders in Ondo State, who worry that prolonged litigation could disrupt the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Party Leadership’s Response
A senior APC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the national leadership is monitoring the situation. The official urged the aggrieved aspirants and other party members to use internal dispute‑resolution mechanisms, noting that while primary‑election disagreements are common, they must be managed carefully to avoid internal divisions. He called on all parties to prioritise the unity and electoral interests of the APC.
Parallel Case in Benue State
A similar dispute has surfaced in Benue State, where APC National Assembly aspirants loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia have approached the Federal High Court in Abuja. The plaintiffs filed Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1429/2026, alleging attempts to alter the candidate list that emerged from the INEC‑monitored primaries.
Justice I.E. Ekwo, presiding over the case, directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending a final determination. The plaintiffs sought to restrain the APC from replacing the candidates they claim were validly nominated, challenging a correspondence dated June 29, 2026, and any subsequent communication aimed at changing the list before the suit is resolved.
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