Aiyedatiwa’s Consensus Plot Collapses as Party Disqualifies Seven Key Aspirants

AKURE — Fresh political tension has erupted within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State following the disqualification of seven House of Representatives aspirants, a development that has effectively derailed the consensus arrangements championed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ahead of the legislative primaries.

​The sweeping disqualifications were confirmed in an official statement titled “Screened and Disqualified House of Representatives Aspirants,” issued over the weekend by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka. According to party sources, the national screening committee barred the affected politicians to ensure strict compliance with party guidelines and constitutional provisions.

​The decision has delivered a significant blow to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s camp, as several of the disqualified individuals were his preferred, anointed candidates for the green chamber.

​Among the high-profile casualties is Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye, a key ally of the governor contesting for the Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency seat. The party also disqualified Olusegun Victor Ategbole and Seun Oluwashina Ajongbolo, both vying for the Akoko South-East/South-West Federal Constituency, alongside Rt. Hon. Arowole Ayodeji Samuel, who was contesting the Owo/Ose federal seat.

​Other aspirants listed as “Not Cleared” by the national working committee include Morufu Tosin Ibrahim, Oseni Oyeniyi, and Olaleye John Adedipe, all from the Akoko North-East/North-West Federal Constituency.

​Ondo State recorded the highest number of disqualified aspirants nationwide, surpassing other states like Bauchi, Ebonyi, Kogi, and Rivers. While the national leadership of the APC did not explicitly detail the technical or administrative infractions that led to the purge, the development has triggered severe friction. Before the announcement, rival factions across various constituencies had aggressively condemned Governor Aiyedatiwa’s attempt to impose consensus candidates, alleging that it undermined the principles of a fair contest.

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​Despite the internal tremors, a massive turnout of party faithful was recorded during the direct primary election conducted across the 203 wards of the state.

​In Akure, the state capital, thousands of enthusiastic APC members began arriving at designated voting centers as early as 8:00 AM. Party officials initiated the process by conducting a physical headcount of voters. In Wards 4, 5, and 8, orderly queues formed behind the giant posters of remaining aspirants as members demonstrated their preferences under the direct voting format.

​However, the exercise was not entirely seamless. Reports of logistical disruptions and localized protests emerged from several voting centers. In some wards, angry party members accused the state leadership of administrative sabotage, lamenting that electoral officials failed to show up or arrived late to document the headcount.

​Political analysts warn that the disqualification of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s core loyalists is bound to reshape the internal power dynamics of the Ondo APC. With aggrieved aspirants weighing their options, the ruling party faces a delicate task in managing post-primary alignments and avoiding protracted legal battles ahead of the general elections.