“Ondo APC Primary Crisis Deepens as Aggrieved Aspirant Demands Fresh Senatorial Election”
An aspirant in the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has rejected the outcome of the party’s primary election for the Ondo North Senatorial District, alleging widespread irregularities and calling for a fresh poll.
The disputed primary, conducted ahead of the forthcoming senatorial bye election, has triggered renewed tensions within the ruling party in Ondo State, with the aggrieved contender insisting that the process failed to reflect democratic standards and fairness expected within the APC.
According to reports, the aspirant accused party officials overseeing the exercise of procedural violations, manipulation of delegate accreditation, and failure to adhere to established electoral guidelines. The claimant argued that the declared outcome did not represent the true will of party members and stakeholders in the district.
The controversy has further exposed internal divisions within the Ondo APC, as supporters of different camps continue to trade accusations over the conduct of the primary election. Political observers warn that unresolved disputes within the party could weaken its cohesion ahead of future electoral contests in the state.
While addressing party loyalists and journalists, the aggrieved aspirant reportedly demanded the immediate cancellation of the exercise and the conduct of a new, transparent primary under stricter supervision. The aspirant also appealed to the national leadership of the APC to intervene and safeguard the credibility of the party’s internal democratic processes.
Officials of the APC in Ondo State are yet to issue a comprehensive response to the allegations. However, party insiders maintain that the primary was conducted in line with constitutional provisions and party regulations.
The Ondo North Senatorial District remains politically strategic within Ondo State’s electoral landscape, making the outcome of the APC primary crucial ahead of the anticipated bye election. Analysts say the party’s ability to manage the emerging crisis could influence voter confidence and party unity in the region.
Internal disputes arising from party primaries have remained a recurring challenge across Nigeria’s political parties, often resulting in litigation, factional disputes, and electoral setbacks. Political stakeholders have continued to call for stronger internal democratic mechanisms to reduce post primary conflicts and improve transparency within party structures.