•••Fasoranti’s son, Makinde, Elegbeleye lose tickets as Adegbonmire, Ipinsagba, Ojogo, Adelegbe, others emerge; delayed verdict ends months of intense lobbying and intra-party suspense.
After months of suspense, intense lobbying and political calculations, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has finally released its much-awaited final list of National Assembly candidates for Ondo State, dramatically overturning the outcome of eight party primaries and redrawing the political map ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The long-delayed decision, which had kept aspirants and party faithful on edge since the conclusion of the APC primaries, was formally communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in a letter dated June 29, 2026.
The letter, signed by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and the National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, stated that the revised list followed the determination of petitions by the party’s Primary Election Appeal Committees and the subsequent approval of the National Working Committee in accordance with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.
The final outcome produced one of the most sweeping post-primary reversals witnessed in the country, with the APC overturning the victories of eight aspirants in Ondo State—two senatorial candidates and six House of Representatives candidates.
Political observers had described the prolonged delay in releasing the list as a reflection of the fierce contest for the party’s tickets, with competing interests mounting pressure on the national leadership.
The contest was widely seen as a battle between aspirants aligned with the Ondo State Government and several incumbent National Assembly members believed to enjoy the backing of the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The revised list, however, has now settled the immediate controversy, even as it opens a fresh chapter of political realignment within the ruling party.
Among the biggest casualties was Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, son of Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, who lost the APC ticket for Ondo Central Senatorial District to Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN).
In Ondo North Senatorial District, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba displaced Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, while the party retained Hon. Isaacs Kekemeke as its candidate for Ondo South Senatorial District.
The House of Representatives list also witnessed sweeping changes.
Hon. Donald K. Ojogo replaced Mr. Akingboye Leke in Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, while Hon. Festus Olarewaju Akingbaso emerged ahead of Hon. Rasaq Obe in Idanre/Ifedore.
In Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, former lawmaker Hon. Dr. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe reclaimed the APC ticket from Hon. Kayode Adejana, while Hon. Okunjimi John Odimayo replaced Hon. Olumuyiwa Daramola in Okitipupa/Irele.
The surprises continued as Dr. Abiola Makinde lost the Ondo East/Ondo West ticket to Hon. Dr. Michael Olamidotun Akintomide, while Hon. Festus Ayodele Adefiranye emerged in place of Oyerinmade Matthew for Ile Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency.
Four candidates, however, survived the review process. They include Hon. Isaacs Kekemeke (Ondo South Senate), Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero (Akoko North East/Akoko North West), Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati (Akoko South East/Akoko South West) and Hon. Omowunmi Olatunji (Akure North/Akure South), the only female House of Representatives candidate on the APC ticket in Ondo State.
The release of the final list brings to an end months of uncertainty that followed the party primaries, but political analysts believe the outcome could trigger fresh legal battles from aggrieved aspirants whose victories were overturned after the appeal process.
With the revised list now officially before INEC, attention is expected to shift from the party’s internal contest to possible court challenges as the race towards the 2027 general elections gathers momentum.
