Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called on aspirants and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to maintain peace and discipline during the party’s National Assembly primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor made the appeal during a stakeholders’ meeting at the APC secretariat in Akure, warning against violence 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,” Aiyedatiwa said.

The APC later announced the outcome of its House of Representatives primaries across Ondo State’s nine federal constituencies, with several high-profile aspirants emerging victorious after Saturday’s exercise.

Why the primaries matter

The APC primaries are seen as a major test of the party’s internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.

Ondo State remains politically significant for the ruling party in the South-West, making the conduct of peaceful primaries crucial to avoiding post-election disputes and factional crises.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said the state had built a reputation for peaceful electoral exercises and urged party members not to damage that image.

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

He also said security personnel had been deployed across wards in the state to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

APC announces House of Reps winners

Chairman of the APC National Assembly Primary Election Committee, Iboroma Harry Dabibi, announced the results after collation across the federal constituencies.

According to Dabibi, the exercise followed the direct primary system, with accredited APC members voting at ward level by queuing behind posters of preferred aspirants.

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

Winners declared by constituency

Akoko North East/Akoko North West: Ifeoluwa Ehindero won with 22,304 votes.

Ondo West/Ondo East: Abiola Peter Makinde secured victory with 10,847 votes.

Okitipupa/Irele: Damamola Olumuyiwa emerged winner with 6,547 votes.

Akure North/Akure South: Omowunmi Olatunji Ohwovoriole polled 9,237 votes to win the ticket.

Akoko South East/Akoko South West: Adefarati Gboyega was declared winner after the votes of another aspirant were invalidated for failing screening requirements.

Owo/Ose Federal Constituency: Kayode Ijalana emerged winner after the leading score was voided because the aspirant was not cleared by the screening committee.

Idanre/Ifedore: Rasaq Obe secured victory after the initial highest votes were declared invalid.

Odigbo/Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo: Matthew Oyerimade won with 12,744 votes.

Ilaje/Ese-Odo: Akingboye Akinleke David clinched the ticket with 9,284 votes.

Controversy over invalidated votes

Three constituencies recorded controversies after aspirants who scored the highest votes were disqualified because they had reportedly not been cleared by the APC screening committee.

In Akoko South East/Akoko South West, Owo/Ose and Idanre/Ifedore federal constituencies, the committee declared runners-up with the highest valid votes as winners.

The development could trigger disputes within the party as aggrieved aspirants weigh possible appeals.

Political analysts say such disputes have historically affected party unity in Nigeria ahead of general elections.

Party leaders praise peaceful exercise

Dabibi praised party members for what he described as a calm and orderly process.

“The Committee did not only conduct a free and transparent primary, the Committee conducted a peaceful election which reflected the yearnings and aspirations of our Party members,” he said.

He also appealed to unsuccessful aspirants to accept the outcome peacefully.

“Elections may generate varying interests, but we must never allow internal bitterness, division or rancour to weaken our progress,” he added.

Ondo APC Chairman, Babatunde Kolawole, said the party had completed security and logistical preparations before the exercise.

He said the APC leadership remained committed to “internal cohesion, discipline and unity throughout the process.”

Industry and public perspectives

Political observers say the peaceful conduct of the primaries may strengthen APC’s public image in Ondo State, particularly at a time when internal party disputes have disrupted primaries in several Nigerian states.

Some residents and party supporters also welcomed the absence of widespread violence during the exercise, although concerns remain over possible legal disputes from disqualified aspirants.

Analysts say how the APC manages post-primary grievances may shape its electoral strength ahead of the 2027 polls.

What’s next?

The APC Senate primary election in Ondo State is scheduled for Monday, May 18.

Attention is now expected to shift to possible appeals, reconciliation efforts and preparations for the broader 2027 election campaign.

Party leaders are also likely to intensify efforts to unite supporters behind the newly emerged candidates.

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.