APC in Fresh Crisis as Aiyedatiwa’s Loyalists Drag Party, INEC to Court

A fresh crisis is brewing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a court action filed by loyalists of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa over the outcome of the party’s National Assembly primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The aggrieved aspirants have dragged the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the court, challenging the conduct of the primaries and the list of candidates submitted by the ruling party for the forthcoming elections.

The move has opened another chapter in the growing disputes trailing the APC’s primary elections across several states, raising concerns over possible divisions within the party as preparations for 2027 gather momentum.

POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that the affected aspirants have engaged the services of senior lawyer, Remi Olatubora (SAN), to pursue the legal battle.

The plaintiffs are contesting what they described as efforts to alter the list of candidates that emerged from the National Assembly primaries conducted in Ondo State under the supervision of INEC.

Those involved in the suit include former sports administrator, Gbenga Elegbeleye, who contested for the Ondo North Senatorial ticket, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti for Ondo Central Senatorial District, Leke Akingboye for Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, Rasaq Obe for Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency, Kayode Ijalana for Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, Oyerinmade Matthew for Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency and Olumuyiwa Daramola for Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency.

According to party sources, the aspirants are seeking the court’s intervention to stop any move by the APC to substitute candidates they insist emerged from the primaries.

In their application, they are asking the court to restrain the party from replacing candidates allegedly nominated through its June 29, 2026 communication or any subsequent correspondence forwarded to INEC pending the determination of the substantive case.

The legal challenge is believed to be linked to dissatisfaction among some aspirants who were considered close to Governor Aiyedatiwa but failed to secure the party’s tickets during the primaries.

Sources within the APC claimed that the governor advised some of the affected aspirants to seek legal redress after the exercise did not produce the outcome they expected.

The development has generated fresh debate within the ruling party, with some members expressing concern that prolonged litigation could weaken the APC’s internal cohesion ahead of the next general election.

Party insiders warned that if the court eventually rules in favour of the plaintiffs, the decision could force the party to review its candidate list in some constituencies or even conduct fresh primaries where necessary.

A senior APC member, who spoke anonymously, criticised the decision to challenge the exercise in court, arguing that disagreements arising from party primaries should be handled carefully to avoid creating further divisions.

The party chieftain said it was disappointing that loyalists of the governor had chosen the legal route after failing to secure tickets, noting that political contests often produce winners and losers.

The source also recalled previous disputes within the APC, pointing out that Governor Aiyedatiwa himself emerged from a process that was not without controversy before party leaders intervened to resolve disagreements.

According to the insider, party members must place the overall interest of the APC above personal ambitions, especially as the party prepares for another crucial electoral cycle.