Why a political storm is gathering in Ondo APC ahead of primary

A political storm is gathering in the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the move by some ‘elders’ in the party to present a preferred aspirant for the 2024 governorship election.

Known as Ondo APC Aborigines, the party elders are led by the former Nigerian ambassador to the Republic of Togo, Sola Iji. Others are Prof. Ajayi Borrofice; former state Chairman of ACN, Jumoke Anifowose; Dr Taiwo Malumi; Tokunbo Ajasin; Bola Ilori and Omowumi Ohwovoriole.

According to the group, the nine-member committee tasked with screening the candidates had turned in its report, and three candidates had been suggested.

However, The Guardian newspaper reports that one of the aspirants, Gbenga Edema, has objected to the elders’ choice to screen and nominate three of the best candidates for endorsement before the primaries.

Edema questioned the elders’ action on behalf of the Ondo APC Aborigines, claiming they were not authorized to screen and support any candidate without the support of the party’s apparatus.

He emphasized that the people who identified as APC Aborigines were either members of the Labour Party (LP) or the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) before the APC’s formation in 2014 and stated that he would not accept the committee’s decision.

However, when reached regarding the development, the state’s APC Publicity Secretary, Alex Kalejaye, stated: “They (APC Aborigines) don’t have to get permission from the party. They are free to form a body out of themselves and to stand by whoever they think will be suitable for them.”