APC Faces Internal Turmoil Over Candidate Substitutions

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State is experiencing significant internal conflict regarding candidate substitutions for the upcoming 2027 general elections. This power struggle has exposed deep rivalries and intensified political tensions within the party.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has advocated for a consensus arrangement to produce candidates, arguing that it minimizes acrimony and fosters unity. However, this approach has faced backlash from aspirants who claim they were neither consulted nor willing to step down, leading to widespread protests.

The APC's national leadership has maintained that the substitutions are based on recommendations from the primary election appeal committee, despite allegations of candidate imposition and irregularities during the process. The situation has raised fundamental questions about the party's internal democracy and cohesion, as many aspirants have filed petitions challenging the outcomes of the primaries.

The final list of candidates, which included Isaac Kekemek, failed to satisfy several aspirants, further complicating the party's dynamics ahead of the elections.