An aspirant for the House of Representatives under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, Monday Akinyomi, has dismissed the outcome of the party’s primary election in Ondo State, calling for its outright cancellation and a fresh exercise.
The APC direct primary held on May 16, 2026, produced Akingboye David as the winner after polling 9,284 votes, defeating other contenders in the race.
However, speaking in Akure on Sunday, Akinyomi alleged that the process was compromised, claiming it was manipulated by party leaders in the state to favour a preferred aspirant.
He described the exercise as flawed and lacking credibility, insisting that no genuine election actually took place despite the announcement of results.
According to him, confusion trailed the conduct of the primary, as different groups reportedly gathered at separate locations without a clearly defined venue for the exercise.
He further alleged that neither officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nor authorised APC representatives from the national or state secretariat were visibly present at the alleged collation centre.
Akinyomi also claimed that the party’s appeal committee was not accessible after the primary, making it impossible for aggrieved aspirants to submit complaints.
He said the process was allegedly manipulated to impose a favoured candidate, urging the APC national leadership to step in and organise a new primary in line with democratic standards and electoral guidelines.
He added that dissatisfied aspirants had already submitted a formal petition to the party’s National Working Committee, seeking the cancellation of the exercise.
In response, the APC in Ondo State rejected the allegations. The party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, maintained that the primary election was conducted in a transparent and orderly manner.
He explained that the state chapter only provided logistical and administrative support, insisting it did not interfere with the conduct or outcome of the exercise.
Otaloro added that the results of the primaries had already been reviewed and validated by the party’s national leadership, noting that internal dispute mechanisms remain available for any aggrieved aspirant.
He reaffirmed that the APC remains united and confident that all concerns raised would be addressed through established party procedures.