Ondo APC: How Aiyedatiwa's consensus gamble on NASS candidates backfired

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa's gamble on imposing consensus candidates for the Ondo State All Progressive Congress's legislative tickets has ended in disaster, with the party's national secretariat rejecting the governor's preferred list for both State and National Assembly seats. Aiyedatiwa's attempt to impose his will on the party's candidates for the 2026 elections has led to a power struggle that has left his preferred aspirants in the cold. Among those affected is Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, who was replaced by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN) as the APC candidate for Ondo Central Senatorial District.

Aiyedatiwa's consensus push began several weeks before the primaries, when he told stakeholders across the three senatorial districts that consensus would be the preferred mode for the 2026 elections. He mobilised across all 18 local government areas and met with 203 ward councillors, urging them to work for his candidates. His plan was to replace most incumbent federal lawmakers, with only two current National Assembly members set to return, while most state lawmakers would be retained for their loyalty. However, the plan hit a snag when the party's national leadership rejected the governor's preferred list.

Aiyedatiwa's attempt to impose his will on the party's candidates is part of a broader industry movement towards greater assertiveness from the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC. In recent years, the NWC has been increasingly vocal in its opposition to state governors and other party leaders who seek to impose their will on the party's candidates. This shift towards greater assertiveness is part of a broader trend towards greater accountability and transparency within the APC.

The fallout from Aiyedatiwa's gamble has been severe, with none of his preferred aspirants surviving the primaries. Dr. Fasoranti's replacement by Senator Adegbonmire is just one example of the many changes that have been made to the party's candidates. The NWC has also replaced Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye with Senator Olajide Ipinsagba as the APC candidate for Ondo North Senatorial District. The shake-up has affected 2 of 3 senatorial seats and 6 of 9 House of Representatives seats.

Aiyedatiwa's gamble on consensus has backfired, and it remains to be seen whether he will learn a lesson from this experience. The APC's national leadership has shown a willingness to stand up to state governors and other party leaders who seek to impose their will on the party's candidates. As the party prepares for the 2027 elections, it is likely that this trend towards greater assertiveness will continue. In the short term, Aiyedatiwa's preferred aspirants will have to regroup and reassess their chances of winning the party's primaries.

Aiyedatiwa's next move will be crucial in determining the fate of the APC in Ondo State. Will he continue to push for his preferred candidates, or will he accept the NWC's decision and work with the new set of candidates?