APC's Lucky Aiyedatiwa Loses Grip on Legislative Candidates in Ondo

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Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the governor of Ondo State, made a gamble that ultimately backfired. He attempted to impose a consensus arrangement for legislative tickets, but the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had other plans. Despite the governor's efforts, no one from his preferred list survived the primaries.

The attempt by Aiyedatiwa and his team to impose candidates on the people backfired when the NWC refused to accept the governor's preferred list. The NWC's decision was met with stiff opposition from the governor's loyalists, who took to the streets to protest. The protests turned violent, with reports of arrests and vandalized property.

The NWC's decision to reject the governor's preferred list was a major blow to Aiyedatiwa's ambition. He had vowed to replace most incumbent federal lawmakers, but the NWC's intervention denied him that opportunity. The decision also exposed the deep divisions within the APC in Ondo State.

NWC's New List

The NWC released a revised list of candidates, which affected 2 of 3 senatorial seats and 6 of 9 House of Representatives seats. For the Senate, the NWC replaced Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti with Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN) as the APC candidate for Ondo Central Senatorial District. In Ondo North, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba was returned as the party's candidate, replacing Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa is a two-term governor of Ondo State. He was first elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. Aiyedatiwa has been a member of the APC since its inception and has held various positions within the party. He was a key figure in the APC's 2020 presidential campaign.

The governor's loyalists reacted angrily to the NWC's decision, with some calling for the impeachment of the NWC members. The APC's National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has called for calm, assuring party members that the decision was taken in the best interest of the party.

Fallout

The fallout from the NWC's decision has been far-reaching, with some of the governor's loyalists facing arrest. The protests have also sparked a debate within the APC about the role of the NWC and the governor's powers.

The APC's decision to reject the governor's preferred list of candidates has sent shockwaves through the party. The fallout from this decision will have far-reaching consequences for the APC in Ondo State.

The NWC's decision to reject the governor's preferred list of candidates was a major blow to Aiyedatiwa's ambition. He had vowed to replace most incumbent federal lawmakers, but the NWC's intervention denied him that opportunity. The decision also exposed the deep divisions within the APC in Ondo State.

The fallout from the NWC's decision has been far-reaching, with some of the governor's loyalists facing arrest. The protests have also sparked a debate within the APC about the role of the NWC and the governor's powers.

The APC's decision to reject the governor's preferred list of candidates has sent shockwaves through the party. The fallout from this decision will have far-reaching consequences for the APC in Ondo State.

The NWC's decision to reject the governor's preferred list of candidates was a major blow to Aiyedatiwa's ambition.