Mixed reactions have trailed the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries held across Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Ekiti states, as controversies and allegations of coercion emerge.
Ogun State: Daniel Alleges Coercion
Former Governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, claimed on a TVC programme that Governor Dapo Abiodun forced party leaders, including state Chairman Yemi Sanusi, to endorse him as the APC candidate for the 2027 elections. However, the Governor's Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, dismissed the allegation as the ranting of a drowning politician, accusing Daniel of hypocrisy for benefiting from a similar consensus arrangement in 2023.
Ondo State: Results Delayed Amid Tension
In Ondo State, tension has risen due to the delay in declaring results from the House of Representatives primaries. The seven-man committee led by Iboroma Harry Dabibi faced disagreements among members, with allegations of external pressure to declare certain aspirants winners, including some previously disqualified. Party sources claimed that political actors acting on the governor's instructions pressured the committee to declare nine consensus aspirants as winners.
Oyo State: Controversy in Oluyole Constituency
The APC produced candidates for various House of Representatives seats in Oyo State, but confusion and controversy trailed the primary in Oluyole Federal Constituency, where four aspirants claimed victory. Despite this, Senator Sharafadeen Alli commended the peaceful conduct of the primaries, describing them as transparent and well-coordinated.
Ekiti State: Incumbents Lose Tickets
In Ekiti State, two of six serving House of Representatives members lost their return tickets during the primaries, while three won and one was declared inconclusive. The Chairman of the House of Representatives Elections Committee for Ekiti State, Wasiu Adedoyin, stated that the election for Ekiti North Federal Constituency 1 was inconclusive due to irregularities, and the matter would be handled by the National Working Committee.
