Just in: APC NWC shakes up Ondo NASS candidates list

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….Adegbonmire, Ipinsagba, Ojogo, Adefarati, Ehindero retain tickets

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By Dayo Johnson, Akure

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The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reviewed the outcome of the party’s National Assembly primaries in Ondo State, replacing several candidates who initially emerged victorious.

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In a letter dated June 29, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC forwarded its final list of senatorial and House of Representatives candidates after considering reports submitted by the party’s Primary Election Appeal Committees.

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The letter was signed by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and the National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru.

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According to the party, the revised list represents its final decision in line with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.

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The review affected two of the state’s three senatorial districts.

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In Ondo Central, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN) replaced Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti as the party’s candidate, while Senator Olajide Ipinsagba replaced Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye in Ondo North.

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The Ondo South Senatorial District remained unchanged, with Hon. Isaac Kekemeke retaining the party’s ticket. Former Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who was recently appointed Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, is no longer in the race.

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The APC also made changes in six House of Representatives constituencies.

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In Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, Hon. Timehin Adelegbe replaced Hon. Kayode Adejana, while Hon. Okunjimi John Odimayo emerged as the candidate for Okitipupa/Irele, replacing Hon. Olumuyiwa Daramola.

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Hon. Donald Ojogo replaced Mr. Akingboye Leke in Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency, while Hon. Festus Olarewaju Akingbaso replaced Hon. Rasaq Obe in Idanre/Ifedore.

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In Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency, Dr. Michael Olajide Akintomide replaced Dr. Abiola Makinde, while Hon. Festus Ayodele Adefiranye secured the ticket for Ile Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo, replacing Oyerinmade Matthew.

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However, several candidates retained their tickets.

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They include Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero for Akoko North East/North West Federal Constituency, Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati for Akoko South East/South West, Hon. Omowunmi Olatunji, the party’s only female House of Representatives candidate, and Prince Abiodun Adesida, who also retained his position.

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Overall, six serving members of the House of Representatives secured return tickets, while Senators Olajide Ipinsagba and Adeniyi Adegbonmire also retained the party’s nomination for another term in the Senate.

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