APC stakeholders reject alleged bid to replace Ondo Assembly candidate

By Boye Oyeyemi

Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Akoko South West Constituency I of Ondo State have rejected an alleged move to replace the party’s House of Assembly candidate, Olugbenga Omole, urging the party’s national leadership to uphold the outcome of the May 20, 2026 primary election.

The party leaders, including ward chairmen, councillors, supervisory councillors and other stakeholders, made the call in a communiqué issued after a meeting on Thursday. They maintained that Omole emerged as the validly elected candidate through a transparent and credible primary.

According to the communiqué, the primary election was conducted across the constituency’s eight wards under the supervision of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission. It stated that Omole polled 4,648 votes to defeat his closest rival, who secured 921 votes.

The stakeholders argued that any attempt to substitute the declared winner would undermine internal democracy, weaken party unity and discourage members who participated in the primary process.

They reaffirmed their support for Omole, insisting that the mandate freely given to him should be respected. “We stand firmly by the outcome of the primary election and our total support for the mandate freely given to Hon. Olugbenga Omole. Justice, fairness and the rule of law must prevail,” the communiqué stated.

Meanwhile, a former Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor, Biola Balogun, said he stepped down for Omole before the primary in the interest of the party. He added that members freely elected Omole and urged the party to respect the outcome of the exercise.

Similarly, the returning officer for the primary election, Christopher Omolorun, said the process complied with APC guidelines and was monitored by INEC officials. He maintained that there was no dispute over the result, describing Omole as the rightful winner of the contest.

The stakeholders therefore appealed to the APC National Working Committee to forward Omole’s name to INEC as the party’s authentic candidate. They also called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure a thorough investigation into the alleged substitution while urging party members to remain peaceful and law-abiding.