The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has overturned the outcomes of several Senate and House of Representatives primaries conducted in Ondo State, replacing eight candidates with new nominees.
The decision followed the consideration of appeals submitted by aggrieved aspirants after the conclusion of the party’s earlier primary elections.
According to the party, the review was based on reports submitted by the Primary Election Appeal Committees and carried out in line with the Electoral Act and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a letter dated June 29, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of INEC, the APC forwarded its final list of senatorial and House of Representatives candidates for the affected constituencies.
The letter was jointly signed by the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru.
SENATE CANDIDATE CHANGES
Following the review, changes were made in two of Ondo State’s three senatorial districts.
For Ondo Central Senatorial District, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN) emerged as the party’s candidate, replacing Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti.
In Ondo North Senatorial District, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba replaced Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye as the APC candidate.
However, the ticket for Ondo South Senatorial District remained unchanged, with Hon. Isaac Kekemeke retaining his candidacy.
Notably, former Ondo South Senator, Jimoh Ibrahim, who previously vacated the seat following his appointment as Nigeria’s representative to the United Nations, will not be returning to contest for the Senate.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CHANGES
The review also affected six House of Representatives constituencies.
For Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, Hon. Timehin Adelegbe replaced Hon. Kayode Adejana.
In Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency, Hon. Okunjimi John Odimayo emerged in place of Hon. Olumuyiwa Daramola.
For Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency, Hon. Donald Ojogo displaced Mr. Akingboye Leke.
Hon. Festus Olarewaju Akingbaso replaced Hon. Rasaq Obe in Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency.
In Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency, Hon. Dr. Michael Olajide Akintomide replaced Dr. Abiola Makinde.
For Ile Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Festus Ayodele Adefiranye emerged in place of Oyerinmade Matthew.
CANDIDATES WHO RETAINED THEIR TICKETS
The review upheld the candidacies of four House of Representatives aspirants.
They include Ifeoluwa Ehindero for Akoko Northeast/Northwest Federal Constituency, Adegboyega Adefarati for Akoko Southwest/Southeast Federal Constituency, and Omowummi Olatunji, who remains the only female House of Representatives candidate on the APC list for Akure North/South Federal Constituency.
Hon. Isaac Kekemeke also retained the APC senatorial ticket for Ondo South.
With the final list now submitted to INEC, the APC is expected to proceed with preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
