APC crisis deepens as Aiyedatiwa’s loyalists sue party, INEC over Ondo primaries

A fresh crisis has erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a lawsuit filed by loyalists of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, challenging the outcome of the party’s National Assembly primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The aggrieved aspirants have taken the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court over the conduct of the primaries and the list of candidates submitted by the ruling party for the elections.

The legal action has opened a new chapter in the growing disputes surrounding the APC’s primary elections in several states, raising concerns over deepening internal divisions as preparations for the 2027 polls intensify.

POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that the aspirants have engaged Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Remi Olatubora, to represent them in court.

The plaintiffs include former sports administrator, Gbenga Elegbeleye (Ondo North Senatorial District); Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti (Ondo Central Senatorial District); Leke Akingboye (Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency); Rasaq Obe (Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency); Kayode Ijalana (Owo/Ose Federal Constituency); Oyerinmade Matthew (Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency); and Olumuyiwa Daramola (Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency).

According to party sources, the suit seeks to stop any attempt by the APC to substitute candidates the plaintiffs insist legitimately emerged from the primaries.

In their application, the aspirants asked the court to restrain the party from replacing candidates contained in its June 29, 2026 communication to INEC, or in any subsequent correspondence, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The dispute is believed to stem from dissatisfaction among aspirants considered loyal to Governor Aiyedatiwa, who failed to secure the party’s tickets during the primary election.

Sources within the APC claimed that the governor advised some of the aggrieved aspirants to seek legal redress after the primaries failed to produce the outcome they expected.

The development has sparked fresh debate within the ruling party, with some members warning that prolonged litigation could undermine the APC’s unity ahead of the 2027 general election.

Party insiders also cautioned that if the court eventually rules in favour of the plaintiffs, the party could be compelled to review its candidate list in some constituencies or conduct fresh primaries where necessary.

A senior APC member, who spoke anonymously, criticised the decision to head to court, arguing that disputes arising from party primaries should be resolved internally to avoid widening divisions.

The party chieftain said it was regrettable that loyalists of the governor resorted to litigation after failing to secure tickets, stressing that political contests inevitably produce both winners and losers.

The source also recalled that Governor Aiyedatiwa himself emerged through a process that was not without controversy before party leaders intervened to resolve the disagreements.

According to the insider, party members must place the collective interest of the APC above personal ambitions as the party prepares for another crucial electoral cycle.

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