The news cannot be true! They wouldn’t do that, says ex-lawmaker.


In a developing story within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, three federal lawmakers stands being granted automatic return tickets for the upcoming 2027 elections, despite previously rejecting the consensus arrangements set out by the ruling party.

 

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The lawmakers in question are Olajide Ipinsagba, the Senator representing the Ondo North Senatorial District; Adeniyi Adegbonmire, the Senator for Ondo Central; and Okunjimi Odimayo, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency. 

 

According to sources at the national secretariat, their nominations for a second term are said to have been directly influenced by the some prominent leaders having weighed their performance in the ending tenure..

 

Accordingly, the aligment of the trio with the Pro-Tunji Ojo APC faction, could successfully lobbied for their endorsements through considering his significant connections at the national. This strategic shift is said to have garnered the backing of some party’s stakeholders for their re-nomination.

 

However, one party leader in Ondo State and former federal lawmaker, who spoke to us in a telephone interview, expressed scepticism about the possibility of the speculation. He stated, “The party understands the implications of undermining a sitting governor who controls state resources, especially ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection. They wouldn’t do that.”

 

He further questioned, “Not even with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who has nothing to lose since he won’t be on the ballot for now. These people have rejected the consensus arrangements, giving them automatic tickets may not be far from imposition. From the looks of things, everyone will be going to the field for direct primaries.”

 

Itt must be noted that as of the time of this reported, Nexureporters is unable to officially whether that is doable. Details surrounding this matter remains unclear as sources close to the national leadership of the APC declined to comment.

 

Meanwhile, it has been reported that the APC has consistently ruled out the possibility of granting automatic tickets to serving National Assembly members and other aspirants in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. The party has reiterated that all aspirants, including incumbents, will need to contest in primaries and earn their positions through their respective constituencies.

 

In line with this, the APC has announced its revised timetable, scheduling the National Assembly primary elections for May 18 and May 20, 2026. The specific dates include House of Representatives primaries on May 18, Senate primaries on May 20, State House of Assembly primaries on May 21-22, and the presidential primary on May 23, 2026, which has been rescheduled from mid-May.

 

As events unfold, many Nigerians are keenly observing whether the ruling party will uphold the principles of competitive democracy, which are essential for ensuring accountability and preventing the imposition of candidates.