APC primary crisis deepens as Ondo, Benue aspirants sue party, INEC

By Boye Oyeyemi

The crisis trailing the All Progressives Congress primaries for the 2027 general elections has deepened as aggrieved aspirants in Ondo and Benue states instituted legal actions challenging the party’s decision to overturn the outcomes of the exercises that produced candidates.

The suits, filed against the APC, its National Working Committee and the Independent National Electoral Commission, questioned the recommendations of the party’s appeal committee, which reportedly reversed the results of some of the primaries.

In Ondo State, several aspirants believed to be loyal to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa approached the Federal High Court in Akure to contest the outcome of the primaries. The legal team representing the aspirants is led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Remi Olatubora.

Among the claimants are Dr. Olusegun Victor Ategbole, who is contesting his disqualification from the primary, and Ayo Arowele, who is challenging the decision affecting the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency ticket. Other affected aspirants are also seeking judicial intervention over various senatorial and House of Representatives tickets.

A source within the party said the lawsuits could disrupt the APC’s preparations for the 2027 polls if the courts rule in favour of the aggrieved aspirants.

“It is unfortunate that the disagreements have reached the courtroom because such disputes could affect the party’s unity ahead of the general elections,” the source, who declined to be named, said.

The source also criticised the decision to challenge the primary outcome, insisting that internal disagreements should have been resolved within the party rather than through litigation.

Meanwhile, in Benue State, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered all parties to maintain the status quo in a separate suit filed by aggrieved APC aspirants challenging alleged attempts to alter the list of candidates produced by the primaries.