Six House of Representatives members lose out in APC Ondo primaries as new candidates emerge
By Julius Alabi. Akure
Six new candidates emerged in Ondo APC House of Representatives primaries, as only three of the nine serving lawmakers secured tickets to return to the Green Chamber ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The outcome of the primaries, conducted last Saturday, signalled a major shake-up within the party, with six incumbent members losing their re-election bids.
According to results released on Sunday by the Chairman of the National Assembly Primary Election Committee for Ondo State, Hon. Iboroma Harry Dabibi, Ifeoluwa Ehindero recorded one of the most resounding victories in Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency, polling 22,304 votes.
He defeated Ibrahim Moruf Tosin, who secured 330 votes, and Oseni Oyeniyi, who polled 118 votes.
In Ondo West/Ondo East Federal Constituency, Dr. Abiola Peter Makinde coasted to victory with 10,847 votes, defeating Ade Adeniyi, who scored 2,045 votes, and Bola Fisayo, who garnered 1,551 votes.
Similarly, the Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency produced a decisive outcome as Dr. Damamola Olumuyiwa emerged winner with 6,547 votes, ahead of Prince Jimi Odimayo, who polled 827 votes, and Dele Omosehin with 623 votes.
In Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency, Hon. Omowunmi Olatunji Ohwovoriole emerged victorious in a crowded contest involving 10 aspirants, securing 9,237 votes. Hon. Dennis Fadairo came second with 2,120 votes, while Hon. Bamidele Ologunloluwa polled 549 votes.
The primaries, however, witnessed dramatic twists in some constituencies following the disqualification of aspirants who failed to obtain clearance from the party’s screening committee.
In Akoko South East/Akoko South West Federal Constituency, Dr. Olusegun Victor Ategbole, who initially polled 12,011 votes, was disqualified, leading to the declaration of Hon. Adefarati Gboyega, who secured 1,865 valid votes, as winner.
A similar development occurred in Owo/Ose Federal Constituency where Hon. Ayodeji Arowele Samuel’s 9,690 votes were invalidated. Engr. Kayode Ijalana, who polled 7,098 valid votes, was subsequently declared winner.
Also, in Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency, Hon. Adefisoye Tajudeen Adeyemi’s 5,463 votes were voided, paving the way for Rasaq Obe, who secured 4,988 valid votes, to emerge winner.
Other candidates produced through the exercise include Hon. Matthew Oyerimade, who clinched the Odigbo/Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Federal Constituency ticket with 12,744 votes, and Akingboye Akinleke David, who won the Ilaje/Ese-Odo primary with 9,284 votes.
Dabibi commended party leaders, stakeholders and members for maintaining peace during the exercise, noting that the orderly conduct of the primaries reflected the APC’s commitment to internal democracy.
He urged aggrieved aspirants and their supporters to close ranks and work towards the party’s success in the 2027 general elections.
