Ondo APC Consensus Plan Backfires as NASS Primaries Trigger Internal Crisis

Efforts by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to secure consensus candidates for the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly primaries have reportedly backfired, triggering widespread resistance from party members and exposing deep divisions within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general election. The move, aimed at avoiding rancorous contests, instead resulted in intense opposition and multiple primary battles across the state.

Weeks before the primaries, Aiyedatiwa had informed stakeholders across Ondo's three senatorial districts that consensus would be the preferred method of selecting candidates. He subsequently embarked on consultations across the state's 18 local government areas, meeting with the 203 APC ward councillors and urging them to support his preferred aspirants. Reports also suggested the governor indicated that only two serving National Assembly members would be retained, while most loyal state lawmakers would secure return tickets.

However, the consensus arrangement met stiff resistance from several aspirants who rejected pressure to step down. Many insisted on testing their popularity through direct primaries, arguing that the party's internal democracy should not be sacrificed for political convenience. The resulting contests produced unexpected outcomes, with some of the governor's preferred candidates losing their bids despite the extensive mobilisation.

The development has heightened internal tensions within the Ondo APC, as aggrieved aspirants and their supporters accused party leaders of attempting to impose candidates. Although party officials have urged members to remain united after the primaries, analysts believe the disputes could affect the APC's cohesion if unresolved before the general election campaign gathers momentum.

Despite the setback, APC leaders have expressed confidence that the party will overcome the disagreements through reconciliation. They maintain that internal disputes are common after primary elections and insist the party remains well-positioned to retain its dominance in Ondo State during the 2027 elections.