The build-up to the 2027 elections is already creating intense pressure within the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, where internal rivalries are fast overshadowing public claims of cohesion. Beneath the surface, the contest for authority, relevance, and nomination slots is deepening, with potential consequences for the party’s stability and electoral prospects, as observed by Peter Dada.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed April 23 to May 30, 2026, as the window for political parties to conduct their primaries ahead of the general elections. It also instructed parties to upload their electronic membership registers no later than 21 days before their primaries, a process that has already commenced nationwide.
According to provisions in the Electoral Act, political parties must adopt either direct primaries or a consensus arrangement to select candidates for elective offices. This requirement applies to all parties preparing for the 2027 polls, making it mandatory to choose flagbearers through one of the approved systems.
Political activities have since intensified, with aspirants declaring interest in various positions, including the presidency, governorship, and legislative seats. However, in Ondo and other states with off-cycle governorship elections, only presidential and legislative contests will take place during the 2027 cycle.
In Ondo, the APC remains the most influential party, strengthened by a steady influx of defectors. This dominance has heightened competition, as many aspirants believe that clinching the party’s ticket almost guarantees success at the polls.
Despite this advantage, the party continues to grapple with internal disagreements. Groups aligned with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and loyalists of the late former governor Rotimi Akeredolu are all vying for control. Still, these factions appear united in their support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, suggesting a shared national interest despite local tensions.
Concerns are growing among aspirants that the available primary methods may favour candidates backed by the governor. Consequently, some contenders especially lawmakers have turned to party leaders in Abuja in search of automatic tickets, fearing that the state-level process may disadvantage them.
Apart from Jimoh Ibrahim, who has taken up a diplomatic role, other federal legislators from Ondo are reportedly lobbying at the Presidential Villa and the APC national headquarters for endorsement.
Insiders also revealed that certain aspirants without legislative positions are being promoted by influential figures in Abuja, sometimes against the governor’s preferences. This has placed Aiyedatiwa under pressure to balance competing interests, particularly in Ondo South, his home district.
Tensions recently escalated during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ore, where supporters of different aspirants gathered in large numbers, ready to resist any attempt by the governor to impose a candidate. The situation nearly turned chaotic, but calm was maintained after the governor avoided making any endorsement.
Meanwhile, the Ondo South senatorial seat remains vacant following Ibrahim’s exit, with stakeholders awaiting INEC’s announcement of a by-election date.
Party sources say the struggle over candidate selection has become a major challenge for the governor, especially with directives coming from Abuja that may conflict with his own plans. There are also warnings that dissatisfied aspirants could defect or engage in anti-party actions if they perceive the process as unfair.
Observers caution that imposing unpopular candidates could weaken the APC’s chances in the general election, particularly as some aspirants are determined to contest regardless of the party’s decision.
Additionally, lingering divisions have reportedly led to the marginalisation of certain party members, especially those linked to Tunji-Ojo and Akeredolu. These groups are said to be mobilising and strategising across the state.
Analysts fear that unresolved grievances after the primaries could trigger further instability, potentially giving opposition parties an advantage. Recent endorsements of governors’ control over primaries by national leaders have also complicated the ambitions of some aspirants, particularly those seeking federal backing.
While Aiyedatiwa may still influence outcomes, experts warn that without genuine reconciliation efforts involving party leaders, the APC risks deepening internal fractures that could affect its overall performance in the elections.
