2027: Former PDP lawmakers emerge ADC candidates in Ondo

Two former senators elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nicholas Tofowomo and Patrick Akinyelure, have emerged as African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidates for the 2027 National Assembly elections in Ondo State.

Tofowomo will fly the ADC flag for Ondo South senatorial district, while Akinyelure, a two-term senator, secured the ticket for Ondo Central.

Former PDP governorship aspirant Foluso Mayowa Adefemi emerged as the senatorial candidate for Ondo North.

In the House of Representatives races, philanthropist and former PDP leader Hon. Balarabe Akinwumi was named candidate for Akure North/South federal constituency.

Former Ondo State representative on the Niger Delta Development Commission and NNPP governorship candidate in the last election, Hon. Gbenga Edema, emerged as candidate for Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency.

Other ADC House of Representatives candidates are Omosuyi Abayomi for Irele/Okitipupa, Samuel Adesida for Owo/Ose, Olafunmiloye Olufemi for Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo, Samuel Akinkunola, Adegunloye Adeusi, and Abiloye Olutade for Akoko Southeast/Southwest.

Speaking after his affirmation, Akinwumi said he would win because people were dissatisfied with the All Progressives Congress (APC) government at both state and federal levels.

Akinwumi said he lives among the people, understands their concerns, and would alleviate poverty and deliver dividends of democracy if elected.

Tofowomo said his record in the 9th Assembly would speak for him.

He cited the construction of police stations, distribution of tools, and skills training programmes as part of his empowerment initiatives, and said voters would reward him in 2027.

On his part, Akinyelure said he left the APC for the ADC due to internal crisis and a loss of public confidence in government performance.

He added that the ADC would benefit from fallout of the APC primaries.

According to him, most ADC candidates emerged through consensus and were trusted figures loved by their people.

ADC state chairman Chief Tola Alabere, said the conduct of the primaries showed the party was ready for the general elections.

Alabere predicted an implosion in the APC and said the ADC would benefit from the ruling party’s candidate imposition crisis.