Ondo Political Earthquake: Six Incumbent Reps Swept Out as APC Primary Shakes Federal Lawmakers to the Core

In a stunning political shake-up, six out of the nine House of Representatives members from Ondo State have lost their bids to return to the National Assembly, following Sunday's APC primary elections held across 203 wards in the state’s nine federal constituencies.

The ousted lawmakers include: Mr Timilehin Adelegbe (Owo/Ose Federal Constituency), Mr Donald Ojogo (Ilaje/Ese-Odo), Mr Derin Adesida (Akure North/Akure South), Mr Festus Adefiranye (Odigbo/Ile Oluji/Okeigbo), Mr Jimi Odimayo (Okitipupa/Irele), and Mr Festus Akingbaso (Idanre/Ifedore).

Despite the high-stakes losses, the Chairman of the APC National Assembly Primary Committee, Mr Iboroma Dabibi, hailed the exercise as peaceful, transparent, and democratic. In a statement on Monday, he urged all aspirants and supporters to set aside bitterness and unite ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Elections may generate varying interests, but we must never allow internal bitterness, division or rancour to weaken our progress,” Dabibi said, calling on the party to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all National Assembly candidates.

Meanwhile, APC leaders in Owo and Ose local governments celebrated the emergence of Kayode Ijalana as the new candidate.

Chief Rufus Omosola described the primary outcome as a “significant development” in the constituency’s political landscape, adding that strategic mobilisation for 2027 has already begun.

“On behalf of the leader of the APC in Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, I appeal to our supporters to work vigorously for the victory of our candidate and for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu,” Omosola said.