The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified at least three aspirants who were anointed as consensus candidates by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the House of Representatives seats. The party announced the disqualification in a statement issued over the weekend by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, though no reasons were provided for the decision.
Disqualified Aspirants
The three disqualified aspirants among the nine endorsed by Aiyedatiwa are Tajudeen Adefisoye (Idanre/Ifedore federal constituency), Victor Ategbole (Akoko South-East/South-West federal constituency), and Samuel Arowele (Owo/Ose federal constituency). Additionally, other aspirants not cleared include Seun Ajongbolo (Akoko South-East/South-West), Morufu Ibrahim, Oyeniyi Oseni (Akoko North-East/North-West), and Olaleye Adedipe (Akoko North-East/North-West).
Reactions to Endorsement
Some aspirants in the state have kicked against the endorsement of the anointed candidates, condemning the move. The party's decision to disqualify the governor's preferred aspirants has further fueled discontent among party members.
Primary Election Turnout
Meanwhile, the APC direct primary election conducted across all 203 wards of Ondo State recorded a large turnout of party members. In Akure metropolis, party members arrived at designated wards as early as 8:00 am, with officials conducting headcounts. At Wards 4, 5, and 8, members were seen queuing behind posters of their preferred aspirants.
Incidents of Disruption
However, there was an uproar in some wards as party faithful lamented the absence of electoral officials to record the exercise. The lack of officials caused confusion and delays in the voting process.
