The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is currently tense over the insistence by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on direct primaries, particularly for the National Assembly elections. The party had set May 15, 18, and 20 for the House of Representatives, Senate, and State Assembly primaries, respectively, setting the stage for a potential showdown between state and national leadership.
However, findings revealed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is opposed to the NWC’s adopted mode of primaries for the state, rather than acceding to his preferred list of candidates to pick National Assembly aspirants. The governor had announced at recent APC stakeholders’ meetings across the three senatorial districts that consensus would be the preferred mode of primaries. A source at the party’s national secretariat confirmed that efforts to secure acceptance of the governor’s consensus list were rejected by the party’s leadership.
Council Chairmen Endorse Kekemeke
Meanwhile, the senatorial ambition of D.I. Kekemeke has received a great boost as all six local council chairmen within Ondo South Senatorial District formally declared their support for his candidacy for the vacant seat. The chairmen said that their decision is hinged on the “proven pedigree of Kekemeke”, which, according to them, sets him apart from others who are vying for the seat.
Governor’s Vow on Incumbents
Also, a party insider at the meeting claimed the governor vowed that only two of the current National Assembly members from the state would secure return tickets. Meanwhile, the governor may be heading for a collision with the party’s national leadership if he insists on replacing a majority of the National Assembly members from the state.
There are, however, reports that the APC leadership may favour the return of many incumbent lawmakers. According to the reports, seven of the nine House of Representatives members from Ondo State, as well as Senators Jide Ipinsagba (Ondo North) and Niyi Adegbonmire (Ondo Central), are on the list.
National Chairman’s Warning
The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has, however, warned aspirants to ensure peaceful conduct during the primaries or face sanctions. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda said the party would not tolerate any act capable of disrupting the exercise.
