Tensions have erupted at the APC primaries in Ondo State after reports from Akure alleged that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa disregarded figures recorded at the official collation centre, only to announce his preferred consensus candidate, Oyewole Aderemi, as winner of the controversial House of Assembly Primary exercise in Idanre Local Government Area.
According to an earlier report by The Legal Observer, the primaries initially produced a clear outcome in the official process: Oyewole Aderemi was said to have lost to Kayode Akinboni (Kayval). The grassroots youth advocate polled 5,423 votes, while Aderemi trailed with 1,785 votes. Announcing the results at the collation centre, the Returning Officer, Hon. Tpl. Henry Olatuja, reportedly declared Akinboni the winner.
But in what observers described as a dramatic and troubling reversal, a sudden twist emerged minutes after the public declaration, shaking confidence in the integrity of the exercise.
Video Sparks Accusations of Parallel Officials, Conflicting Figures
A video reportedly surfaced on social media showing another set of individuals purporting to be electoral officials, operating under the supervision of the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Afolabi Adesoji (an aide to the governor). The venue, according to the video, bore a close resemblance to a Christian religious setting.
In the footage, a self-acclaimed returning officer made a hurried, desperate proclamation that Aderemi had won, presenting conflicting vote totals to justify the reversal.
The revised figures, as claimed in the reported declaration, stated that Oyewole Aderemi polled 5,440 votes to defeat Kayode Akinboni, who allegedly polled 1,373 votes. A third candidate, Akinduko, was also said to have scored 1,394 votes.
The same altered result was reportedly echoed in a declaration by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Comrade Olajide Mathew Olamilekan, further insisting that Aderemi emerged victorious.
Tinubu Questions “Excessive Interference,” Orders Due Process
Adding fuel to mounting controversy, a separate report claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has faulted excessive interference by certain state governors in the selection process of party candidates. Tinubu was said to have insisted that primaries must reflect fairness, transparency, and the collective will of party members, and directed the APC’s National Chairman and National Secretary to ensure that due process is followed and that grievances are properly addressed.
As reactions continue to spread, many party members and stakeholders are demanding clarity and due process on which figures are authentic, calling for accountability, and urging the party to address the contradictions immediately before deeper divisions take root.
