Fresh controversy has trailed the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following disruptions and reported gunshots during the party’s House of Representatives and senatorial primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development followed a petition allegedly submitted to the APC national leadership by a group known as “Ondo State APC Concern,” which accused the party of irregularities and disruption in the conduct of the primaries.
In the petition addressed to the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, the group urged urgent intervention over the handling of the exercise across parts of the state.
The petitioners claimed that primaries were held in nine federal constituencies, but results were only declared for Akure South/Akure North, Okitipupa/Irele, and Ondo East/Ondo West.
They further alleged that collation in six constituencies — Akoko North East/North West, Akoko South East/South West, Owo/Ose, Idanre/Ifedore, Ilaje/Ese-Odo, and Odigbo/Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo — was disrupted before completion.
The group also alleged that members of the National Assembly Election Committee, led by Hon. Iboroma Harry Dabibi, were forced to leave the APC secretariat in Akure after unrest broke out at the venue.
According to the petition, the disruption followed protests by some aspirants and supporters who kicked against the conduct of the exercise, forcing officials, journalists, and delegates to flee for safety.
The group further claimed that disagreements over the process contributed to delays in announcing results in affected constituencies.
The development has further heightened tensions within the Ondo APC, amid growing concerns over internal disagreements ahead of the 2027 elections.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had earlier dismissed allegations of imposition and marginalisation within the party, insisting that due process would guide the emergence of candidates.
He had also urged party members at different stakeholders’ meetings to embrace unity and avoid actions capable of destabilising the party.
Meanwhile, tension reportedly escalated during the primaries as gunshots were heard at one of the senatorial election venues, forcing delegates and party officials to scamper for safety.
The petitioners have therefore called on the APC national leadership to review the disputed processes, reconvene the election committee where necessary, and ensure strict compliance with party guidelines.
“The APC cannot afford actions that could undermine confidence in its internal democratic process,” the group said.
As of press time, neither the Ondo State Government nor the APC state leadership had reacted officially to the allegations surrounding the primaries.
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