- The news cannot be true. They wouldn’t do that, says ex-lawmaker
In a developing story within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, three federal lawmakers have reportedly been awarded automatic return tickets for the upcoming 2027 elections, despite previously rejecting the consensus arrangements set out by the ruling party.
The lawmakers in question are Olajide Ipinsagba, the Senator representing the Ondo North Senatorial District; Adeniyi Adegbonmire, the Senator for Ondo Central; and Okunjimi Odimayo, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency. According to sources at the national secretariat, their nominations for a second term are said to have been directly influenced by the presidency, as reported on Sunday.
It is believed that the trio, aligned with the Pro-Tunji Ojo APC faction, successfully lobbied for their endorsements through the influence of the Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who has significant connections within the presidency. This strategic manoeuvring is said to have garnered the backing of the party’s national working committee for their re-nomination.
However, one party leader in Ondo State and former federal lawmaker, who spoke to us in a telephone interview, expressed scepticism about the reports. He stated, “The party understands the implications of undermining a sitting governor who controls state resources, especially ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection. They wouldn’t do that.”
He further questioned, “Not even with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who has nothing to lose since he won’t be on the ballot for now. How can they award automatic tickets to the same individuals who rejected the consensus arrangements? Is that not imposition? From the looks of things, everyone will be going to the field for direct primaries.”
Despite credible sources suggesting these developments, Starnews NG is unable to officially confirm the information as of press time. Details surrounding this matter remain unclear, and an aide to the national chairman of the APC, who wished to remain anonymous, declined to comment.
Meanwhile, Starnews NG has reported that the APC has consistently ruled out the possibility of granting automatic tickets to serving National Assembly members and other aspirants in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. The party has reiterated that all aspirants, including incumbents, will need to contest in primaries and earn their positions through their respective constituencies.
In line with this, the APC has announced its revised timetable, scheduling the National Assembly primary elections for May 18 and May 20, 2026. The specific dates include House of Representatives primaries on May 18, Senate primaries on May 20, State House of Assembly primaries on May 21-22, and the presidential primary on May 23, 2026, which has been rescheduled from mid-May.
As events unfold, many Nigerians are keenly observing whether the ruling party will uphold the principles of competitive democracy, which are essential for ensuring accountability and preventing the imposition of candidates.
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