By Francis Ajuonuma
Violence, gunshots and allegations of manipulation on Monday plunged the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress into fresh crisis as the party’s National Assembly primaries descended into chaos.
The crisis escalated after a pressure group known as “Ondo State APC Concern” petitioned the APC national leadership, accusing powerful interests within the state of hijacking the exercise and manipulating results.
The petition, addressed to APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described the primaries as “kangaroo exercises” allegedly orchestrated to favour preferred aspirants.
The aggrieved members accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of failing to ensure a transparent and credible process.
According to the petitioners, although primaries were conducted across nine federal constituencies, only results from three constituencies were announced, while several others were stalled by controversy and violence.
The group alleged that the collation process for six constituencies was disrupted after political thugs invaded the APC secretariat in Akure, forcing members of the election committee, journalists and party officials to flee for safety.
They claimed the disruption was triggered by a disqualified aspirant from Idanre who allegedly stormed the venue with supporters.
“The APC cannot afford to reward impunity and violence with political advantage,” the petitioners stated.
The group further alleged that the crisis worsened after a serving commissioner allegedly instructed party officials to halt the announcement of results pending the resolution of disputes in some constituencies.
Tension heightened further after gunshots reportedly disrupted one of the APC senatorial primaries, forcing delegates and party officials to scamper for safety as rival camps clashed over the conduct of the exercise.
The latest development has intensified fears of deepening divisions within the Ondo APC ahead of the 2027 elections, amid accusations of candidate imposition and exclusion of stakeholders.
A party chieftain popularly known as Adu Cubana had earlier warned that unresolved grievances and alleged exclusion of party stakeholders could weaken the APC politically in Ondo State.
Governor Aiyedatiwa had repeatedly denied allegations of marginalisation and candidate imposition, insisting that party supremacy and consensus would guide the emergence of candidates.
At separate stakeholders’ meetings, the governor also cautioned members against “do-or-die politics” and internal rancour.
However, Monday’s violence and disputed primary process have further exposed widening cracks within the ruling party in the state.
As of press time, neither the Ondo State Government nor the APC leadership in the state had formally responded to the latest allegations.
