APC’s Peace Deal in Tatters: Ondo Aspirants Refuse Compromise, Insist on Legal Redress

The Ondo State gubernatorial election has encountered fresh turmoil as aggrieved aspirants from the All Progressives Congress (APC) opt for court action following the failure of a peace initiative spearheaded by the party’s national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.

During the APC primaries held on April 20, incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa emerged as the winner amidst accusations of widespread irregularities. The aggrieved aspirants, including notable figures like Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Olusola Oke, and Gbenga Edema, criticized the process as fraudulent, alleging it lacked transparency and due process. The controversy intensified when the Kogi State governor, Usman Ododo, who led the primary election committee, was accused of not following the guidelines set by the party’s national leadership.

Reports suggest that Ganduje and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC convened a closed-door meeting with Governor Aiyedatiwa and the aggrieved aspirants in an attempt to resolve the issue. However, these efforts ended in a stalemate, with the aspirants refusing to withdraw their petitions. They insist that the primaries were conducted in a way that undermined party procedures, and there was no genuine election held.

Edema, one of the aggrieved aspirants, highlighted procedural issues, noting that electoral materials were not released on time, contradicting prior arrangements. He stated that the committee’s delay in releasing materials and premature announcement of results raised serious doubts about the integrity of the primaries.

Following the failed peace talks, multiple aspirants filed petitions challenging Aiyedatiwa’s victory, with some threatening legal action. They argue that the primary election results should be annulled, questioning Ododo’s suitability as the committee chairman. According to a source familiar with the developments, the aggrieved aspirants have resolved to pursue legal avenues to contest the primaries’ outcome.

In a recent interview, Edema emphasized that the party’s internal conflict resolution mechanisms would determine their next steps, while underscoring the seriousness of the allegations. He warned that a failure to address these issues could lead to adverse consequences for the APC in the upcoming Ondo gubernatorial election.

Despite these claims, Governor Aiyedatiwa maintains that the primary election process was conducted fairly, dismissing allegations of certificate forgery and other irregularities. He urged party members to unite behind him to ensure APC’s victory in the November 16 election.

In response to the ongoing discord, some Ondo APC youths staged a protest at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, demanding the cancellation of the primaries. The demonstration was eventually dispersed by security operatives, but it underscores the growing discontent within the party’s ranks.