Candidate Ajipe remains in the lead in the Ondo North senatorial contest despite disruptions to the collation process in Akoko South Federal Constituency, according to certified election results submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Figures collated from Oke Mapo and Ose collation centres show Ajipe leading the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency with 22,000 votes. Certified returns from Akoko North also indicate that Senator Jide Ipinsagba is ahead with more than 18,000 votes.

However, the final declaration of results has been delayed after the collation officer overseeing Akoko South Federal Constituency reportedly left with sensitive result documents, including materials said to be in the custody of Hon. Olabimtan.

The development has raised concerns among political stakeholders and residents awaiting the official outcome of the exercise.

Why the delay matters

The disruption has intensified scrutiny of the electoral process in Ondo North, particularly around transparency and adherence to collation procedures.

The National Primary Election Committee stated that results must be formally announced at the constituency collation centre in the presence of party agents before they are transferred to the senatorial collation centre.

Election observers say such procedures are essential to maintaining public trust in the credibility of electoral outcomes.

Political analysts also note that delays in result announcements often heighten tensions in closely watched contests, especially in politically active regions like Ondo North.

Ajipe still maintains lead

Despite the unresolved collation in Akoko South, stakeholders backing Ajipe argue that the current verified figures still place the candidate ahead in the senatorial district.

According to available data, the total number of accredited voters in Akoko South stands at 17,108.

Supporters of Ajipe insist that even if all accredited votes were allocated to a single opposing candidate, the verified results already announced from Owo/Ose and Akoko North would still leave Ajipe in a leading position.

“Results must be announced at the constituency collation centre in the presence of party agents before transfer to the senatorial collation centre,” the National Primary Election Committee said.

Calls for transparency and security

Stakeholders have called on INEC and security agencies to recover the missing collation materials and ensure their secure handling.

They also urged electoral authorities to strictly enforce established procedures, including public announcements in the presence of party representatives.

Security officials monitoring the exercise said groups of elders, youths and residents gathered around collation centres in Owo and Ose awaiting the official declaration of results.

Authorities appealed for calm while the process continues.

Political actors and community leaders were also urged to avoid actions capable of escalating tensions or undermining public confidence in the electoral process.

Public reaction and political implications

The delay has generated conversations among residents and political observers across Ondo State, with many calling for a swift and transparent resolution.

Election transparency advocates say the handling of the Akoko South situation could shape public perception of electoral credibility in future contests.

For many residents, the priority remains a peaceful conclusion to the process and the official certification of results in accordance with electoral guidelines.

What happens next?

INEC and security agencies are expected to continue efforts to recover the missing materials and conclude the collation exercise.

Once the process is completed, final senatorial district results are expected to be formally declared.

Observers say the coming hours could prove critical in determining both the outcome of the election and public confidence in the process.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has called on aspirants and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to conduct themselves peacefully ahead of the party’s National Assembly primaries.

The governor spoke on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting with members of the APC National Assembly Election Committee at the party secretariat in Akure.

The House of Representatives primaries are scheduled for Saturday, while the Senate primaries will hold on Monday, May 18.

Governor Aiyedatiwa warned party supporters against violence, intimidation and actions that could undermine the credibility of the exercise.

“There should be no rancour. There should be no fight. This is our party affair. Everyone should cooperate with one another,” he said.

The governor also reiterated that his administration would not interfere in the process, adding that security agencies had been mobilised across wards in the state to maintain order.

“This is purely party affairs. It has nothing to do with public election involving members of the public,” he stated.

Direct Primary System to Be Used Across 203 Wards

The APC said the primaries would be conducted using the direct primary system, allowing accredited party members to vote at ward level.

Governor Aiyedatiwa directed eligible APC members to report to their ward centres by 8am with valid party membership cards, clarifying that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would not be required for participation.

He noted that the direct primary model was previously used during the APC governorship primary in Ondo State.

Chairman of the National Assembly Election Committee, Iboroma Harry Dabibi, said the process would follow the APC constitution, Electoral Act and party guidelines.

According to him, stakeholders in Ondo State chose the direct primary option instead of consensus arrangements.

“All financially up-to-date party members will queue behind the poster of their preferred candidate across the 203 wards of the state,” Dabibi said.

He explained that voting would begin at 8am, while results from wards would be collated at centres across the state’s nine federal constituencies before final announcements are made.

Committee Warns Against Disruption

The election committee warned aspirants and supporters against any attempt to disrupt the process.

Dabibi said misconduct would not be tolerated and urged contestants to accept the outcome of the primaries peacefully.

“Only one candidate will emerge per position,” he added.

Political observers say the conduct of the APC primaries could shape political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially in Ondo State where party cohesion remains crucial after recent leadership transitions.

Analysts also note that peaceful primaries could strengthen public confidence in internal party democracy, while violence or disputes may deepen divisions within the ruling party.

APC Says Security, Logistics Ready

Ondo State APC Chairman Babatunde Kolawole said the party had completed security and logistical arrangements for the exercise.

According to him, the party is working with security agencies to ensure a smooth and peaceful process across all wards.

Kolawole added that party leaders remain committed to discipline, unity and internal cohesion throughout the primaries.

Election Committees Announced

The APC also unveiled members of the National Assembly Primary Election Committee and Appeal Committee.

The election committee is chaired by Iboroma Harry Dabibi, alongside other members including Chief Tony Daniel Utazi, Ugboaga Collins Ugochukwu, Barrister Chiedu Elemunoh, Sola Ojewusi and Jessy Jangnap.

The Appeal Committee is chaired by Barrister Smart Iheazor.

The meeting was attended by the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers and party stakeholders.

Why This Matters

The APC primaries in Ondo State are expected to influence the political landscape ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.

Internal party primaries often determine the strength and unity of political parties before the main elections. Analysts say credible and transparent primaries could reduce post-election disputes and strengthen democratic processes within political parties.

The outcome may also shape the APC’s chances in Ondo State during the next general election cycle.

The House of Representatives primaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Lagos State were marred by violence, confusion and allegations of electoral irregularities on Saturday, as party members battled for tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The exercise, which had already suffered postponements, was disrupted in several parts of the state by clashes among rival factions, delayed accreditation and the late arrival of election materials.

In Mushin, violence erupted before voting began, forcing party supporters and delegates to flee polling centres. Security operatives later intervened, arresting about 10 suspects linked to disturbances in Mushin and parts of Alimosho Local Government Area.

Fresh clashes were also reported in the Egbe axis of Alimosho, where rival groups allegedly disrupted accreditation and delayed voting in multiple centres.

In Lagos Mainland, party members accused rival camps of voter suppression and intimidation in areas including Makoko, Iwaya, Adekunle and Apapa Road.

Meanwhile, suspected hoodlums reportedly attacked APC leaders and delegates at Ward A and Ward B centres in Somolu, temporarily halting the process as party members scampered for safety.

Despite heavy security presence in some areas, the primaries were largely characterised by tension, organisational lapses and uncertainty.

Why the Primaries Matter

The APC primaries are a crucial stage in determining who will represent the party in the 2027 general elections.

Lagos, regarded as a major political stronghold of the APC and home state of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains one of the most politically influential states in Nigeria.

Political analysts say the conduct of the primaries could shape public perception of the party’s internal democratic process ahead of the national polls.

The disturbances also reflect growing competition within the party as incumbents, newcomers and influential political blocs battle for control of key federal constituencies.

APC Releases National Disqualification List

Amid the controversies, the APC released a nationwide list of House of Representatives aspirants marked “not cleared” following its screening exercise.

In a statement issued by APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, the party said aspirants from states including Ondo, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Kogi and Rivers were disqualified after screening conducted in line with party guidelines.

However, no Lagos aspirant appeared on the disqualification list.

The party also acknowledged disruptions in parts of Adamawa State, where late arrival of election materials reportedly delayed voting.

APC Promises Review of Complaints

Chairman of the Lagos APC Primary Committee, Sheu Yipmong, said the party would establish an election petition panel to review complaints arising from the primaries.

Speaking at the APC Secretariat in ACME, Ogba, Yipmong said the party leadership was monitoring reports of irregularities across several constituencies.

“We are looking into all the complaints that have been brought before the party, and the committee will make its recommendations after a thorough review,” he said.

Despite the disruptions, he described turnout during the primaries as encouraging and said participation reflected growing support for the APC ahead of 2027.

Aspirants Demand Investigation Into Alleged Irregularities

One of the aspirants for the Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency ticket, Prince Hakeem Animashaun, called for an independent investigation into the conduct of the primary election in the constituency.

Animashaun, accompanied by supporters during a peaceful protest to the APC secretariat, submitted a petition over the exercise and appealed to President Tinubu to intervene in areas where irregularities were allegedly recorded.

He insisted that the primaries should reflect transparency and credibility.

According to him, party members were initially optimistic because of the large turnout across wards before the process allegedly deviated from established guidelines.

Animashaun claimed that requirements for voters to present party membership slips alongside valid identification were not enforced uniformly.

He also alleged that some officials supervising the exercise lacked proper identification and official election materials.

Several supporters, including Samson Sambakiu, Kolawole Ganiyu and Folake Ogunlade, accused some local government officials of aiding irregularities in parts of Lagos Mainland.

They further alleged that supporters of one aspirant disrupted voting in sections of the constituency.

At least seven aspirants, including the incumbent lawmaker, are contesting for the APC ticket in Lagos Mainland ahead of the 2027 elections.

Industry and Public Reactions

Political observers say recurring violence and allegations of manipulation during party primaries could weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Civil society groups have repeatedly called on political parties to improve transparency and reduce violence during internal elections.

Analysts also warn that unresolved disputes from party primaries often lead to prolonged legal battles and internal divisions before general elections.

What Happens Next?

The APC is expected to conclude reviews of petitions and complaints submitted by aggrieved aspirants in the coming days.

The outcome of the party’s internal dispute resolution process could determine whether further protests, court actions or reconciliation efforts emerge before preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.