Loyalists of Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa have filed a lawsuit against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), challenging the outcome of the party’s National Assembly primaries ahead of the 2027 general election.
The aggrieved aspirants, represented by the law firm of Remi Olatubora (SAN), are contesting the results of the primaries and the list of candidates submitted by the APC to INEC.
The legal action comes just 48 hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the APC and INEC to maintain the status quo in a separate dispute involving the party’s National Assembly primaries in Benue State.
Sources within the APC alleged that Governor Aiyedatiwa advised the affected aspirants to seek legal redress after they failed to secure the party’s tickets despite being regarded as his preferred candidates.
The plaintiffs include Gbenga Elegbeleye (Ondo North Senatorial District), Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti (Ondo Central Senatorial District), Leke Akingboye (Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency), Rasaq Obe (Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency), Kayode Ijalana (Owo/Ose Federal Constituency), Oyerinmade Matthew (Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency), and Olumuyiwa Daramola (Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency).
They are asking the court to restrain the APC from substituting candidates they claim were validly nominated through the party’s June 29, 2026 correspondence or any subsequent communication to INEC until the substantive suit is determined.
The lawsuit highlights growing discontent within the ruling party following the conclusion of its National Assembly primaries, with reports suggesting that several governors failed to secure party tickets for their preferred aspirants.
Party insiders warned that the court case could disrupt the APC’s preparations for the 2027 general election if the plaintiffs succeed, as it could compel the party to conduct fresh primaries or amend its list of candidates in some constituencies.
Meanwhile, a senior APC member, who spoke anonymously, criticised the decision to challenge the primaries in court, accusing Governor Aiyedatiwa of encouraging actions capable of undermining the party.
The party chieftain argued that no election is flawless and recalled that President Bola Tinubu had previously intervened to resolve a similar dispute involving the APC governorship primary in Ondo State.
The source further maintained that political leaders cannot always have their preferred outcomes and urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to prioritise party unity over personal interests following the outcome of the primaries.
