Ex-lawmaker urges Ondo APC members to accept outcome of primaries

By Boye Oyeyemi

A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adejoro Adeogun, has called on members of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State to accept the outcome of the party’s 2026 National Assembly primaries, while also alleging that the exercise did not reflect a genuine direct primary.

Adeogun, who lost the APC senatorial ticket for Ondo North, said he had entered the contest fully aware of the realities of party politics, stressing that internal party contests were often influenced by factors beyond competence and popularity.

Reflecting on his political journey, the former lawmaker recalled a 2018 conversation with former Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, Patrick Obahiagbon, who advised him that political contests were rarely perfect.

“I learnt not to expect perfection from the handling of the internal affairs of political parties. You win some and you lose some because luck moves like the wind,” he said.

Adeogun disclosed that he began preparations for the May 18, 2026 senatorial primary shortly after the current senator assumed office, expressing confidence in his qualifications and acceptability across the district. He, however, said despite investing time and resources into the race, the outcome did not favour him.

“I worked hard and made huge sacrifices, but I have not lost sleep over the result. My family thanked God for preserving the lives of my supporters and me throughout the exercise, and my supporters were proud that my record of service earned commendation,” he stated.

The former federal lawmaker further alleged that the APC primary in Ondo State was not conducted through a transparent direct voting process, claiming result sheets were prepared outside polling centres and that party members neither voted nor were properly counted.“Anyone who says free and fair direct primaries were held anywhere in Ondo State is deceiving himself. We all know what happened during the exercise and how the process was managed,” Adeogun alleged, adding that video clips circulated as evidence of the exercise were staged to create an impression that direct primaries had taken place.

While sympathising with aspirants who felt shortchanged, Adeogun urged party members to avoid further division and instead accept the intervention of President Bola Tinubu in resolving the dispute. “President Tinubu has spoken as the leader of our party. Rather than waste energy fighting a settled matter, we should rebuild the APC and unite ahead of future political contests,” he said.