In a significant development, a leaked memo from the All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed the report by Starnews NG regarding the party’s decision to grant automatic return tickets to the majority of the serving lawmakers in Ondo State. This revelation comes just 24 hours after Starnews NG reported on the internal disputes surrounding candidate nominations within the APC.
The memo, dated June 29, 2026, is addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and outlines the approved list of candidates for various Senatorial Districts and House of Representatives constituencies. The document states:
“We write to formally forward the attached list of the Party’s candidates for the affected Senatorial Districts and House of Representatives Constituencies arising from the report of the Primary Election Appeal Committees. Following the determination of appeals from the recently concluded primary elections, the Reports of the Appeal Committees were reviewed and subsequently considered and approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party’s final position on the affected constituencies.”
The memo further emphasises compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended), and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines, stating: “In accordance with the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended), and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines, we hereby transmit the enclosed list of the approved candidates for the seven (7) Senatorial Districts and nineteen (19) House of Representatives Constituencies for your records and necessary action.”
The letter, signed by APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda and National Secretary Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, stated that the reviewed list represents the party’s final position on the affected constituencies after the reports of the appeal committees were considered and approved by the National Working Committee in line with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.
In the review, the party replaced two of its three senatorial candidates and all six House of Representatives candidates affected by the appeals.
Senate
Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN) has now replaced Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti as the APC candidate for the Ondo Central Senatorial District, while Senator Olajide Ipinsagba emerged in place of Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye for the Ondo North Senatorial District. As reported in our previous report, Hon. Kekemeke remained the candidate of the APC in Ondo South Senatorial District.
In the House of Representatives, Hon. Donald K. Ojogo replaced Mr. Akingboye Leke for Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency, while Hon. Festus Olarewaju Akingbaso replaced Hon. Rasaq Obe in Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency.
The letter also replaced Hon. Kayode Adejana with Hon. Dr. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe for Owo/Ose Federal Constituency. In Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency, Hon. Olumuyiwa Daramola was replaced with Hon. Okunjimi Odimayo. Similarly, Dr. Abiola Makinde, the incumbent Lawmaker in Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency was replaced with Dr. Michael Olajide Akintomide, while Oyerinmade Matthew was replaced by Hon. Festus Ayodele Adefiranye as the party’s candidate for Ile Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency.
The following were not affected with the replacement. They are: Isaac Kekemeke (Ondo South), Ifeoluwa Ehindero (Akoko Northeast/Northwest federal constituency), Adegboyega Adefarati (Akoko Southwest/Southeast federal constituency) and Omowummi Olatunji (Akure North/South federal constituency).
This leaked memo reinforces the concerns highlighted in the initial Starnews report regarding the ongoing tensions within the APC as the party navigates competing interests and internal dissent. As the political landscape in Ondo State continues to evolve, the implications of these automatic ticket allocations will play a crucial role in shaping the upcoming elections.
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