By Paul Joseph
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State is facing a deepening internal crisis as Eight aspirants, including serving lawmakers, have openly defied the party’s consensus arrangement by obtaining nomination forms ahead of the primaries.
Leading the charge against the consensus is Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, who broke the ice by picking up his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms two days ago.
Following closely is Hon. Donald Ojogo, member representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, whose recent actions underscore growing resistance within the party, particularly in Ondo South, where the consensus arrangement appears to be rapidly collapsing.
Next in line is Agboola Ajayi, who has also obtained the senatorial form under the APC. He is joined by Jimi Odimayo, an incumbent House of Representatives member, who secured his form as well.
In a significant development, Barr. Morayo Lebi (BML) has officially taken a bold step by obtaining the APC Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to run for the Senate in Ondo South. He collected his form today and expressed strong confidence in his campaign, assuring supporters that he is determined to win the APC primaries.
Additionally, Hon. Festus Olanrewaju Akingbaso, commonly known as Fessy West, who is the current serving representative for the Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has also picked up his nomination form and assured his constituency of securing re-election under the APC.
In a similar development, Hon. Mayowa Samuel Akinfolarin, a former member of the Nigerian Federal House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023, has also obtained the APC nomination form to contest the Senate seat in Ondo South ahead of the 2027 general election.
As at the time of this report, Barr. Kehinde Ikuyinminu has officially announced his candidacy for the House of Representatives in Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency by obtaining his APC nomination form on Wednesday.
The actions of these aspirants signal a coordinated push by key political figures to pursue tickets through competitive primaries rather than party-imposed consensus.
Starnews NG reports that at least 10 aspirants within the party have outrightly rejected the consensus arrangement. In separate interviews with our correspondent, several contenders confirmed their plans to obtain nomination forms and contest in the primaries.
“We will purchase our forms and test our popularity at the primaries,” one lawmaker stated anonymously. Another aspirant dismissed the consensus plan entirely, declaring, “I will pick my form and run, only God can stop that”, he added.
A party source in Abuja reiterated that aspirants retain the right to contest if the consensus lacks broad acceptance. This growing defiance highlights widening cracks within the APC structure in Ondo State, raising concerns over internal cohesion ahead of the elections.
Political analysts warn that the breakdown of the consensus arrangement could trigger factional battles, weaken party unity, and complicate candidate selection processes.
In a statement, Barr. Ikuyinminu expressed his sincere appreciation to His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his continued fatherly role and unwavering commitment to ensuring a consensus candidate emerges among the aspirants.
He acknowledged the invaluable leadership and guidance of the Governor in fostering unity and progress within the party.
Ikuyinminu also extended his gratitude to Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the APC, for his tireless efforts in promoting fairness and ensuring a level playing field for all.
He thanked the stakeholders in Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency and his supporters across all 23 wards for their steadfast encouragement and belief in their shared vision.
“I humbly count on your continued support as we move forward together,” Ikuyinminu concluded.
This brings the total number of aggrieved aspirants who have defied the consensus arrangement in Ondo State to eight.
With more aspirants preparing to enter the race and key stakeholders questioning the transparency of the consensus strategy, the party now faces a critical test: balancing internal democracy with the need to maintain unity in a high-stakes political environment.
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