Ondo APC aspirants reject consensus candidate

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…Demand Free Primary for House of Reps Ticket

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By Dayo Johnson, Akure

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Four aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) seeking to represent Ondo East/West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives have rejected the reported adoption of Hon. Abiola Makinde as the party’s consensus candidate, insisting that only a free and fair primary will be acceptable.

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The aspirants—Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye, Hon. Ade Adeniyi, Hon. Bola Fisayo, and Dr. Michael Ajilo—described the move as an imposition, warning that it would not stand.

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Hon. Makinde is currently seeking a third term in the National Assembly.

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Speaking after a joint meeting in Ondo, the aspirants said they had already obtained nomination and expression of interest forms, declaring their readiness to participate in a direct primary as provided for by party guidelines and electoral law.

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They insisted they were not part of any consensus arrangement endorsing any candidate for the constituency and therefore rejected the reported adoption.

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In a communique jointly signed by the four aspirants, they reaffirmed their membership of the APC and their intention to contest the forthcoming primary election.

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“We are not part of any consensus arrangement leading to the endorsement of any candidate for our federal constituency,” they stated.

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The aspirants said they were aware of growing concerns among constituents over representation at the National Assembly, adding that residents were yearning for credible leadership and improved representation.

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They also noted that discussions were ongoing among them to arrive at a possible internal consensus, but maintained that such a process must be voluntary and inclusive.

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“We have offered ourselves as credible alternatives in the APC. We are discussing amongst ourselves and will come up with a consensus in due course,” they said.

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The group further called for internal democracy within the party, urging the APC leadership to ensure a transparent and competitive primary election process.

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They added that their engagement with constituents was aimed at restoring confidence in representation and addressing what they described as longstanding concerns over governance and development in the area.

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