Four aspirants seeking to represent Ondo East/West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) have rejected the reported adoption of Hon. Abiola Makinde as the party’s consensus candidate.
The aspirants—Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye, Hon. Ade Adeniyi, Hon. Bola Fisayo, and Dr. Michael Ajilo— insisted that only a free and fair primary will be acceptable.
They described the move as an imposition, warning that it would not stand.
Hon. Makinde is currently seeking a third term in the National Assembly.
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.
They insisted they were not part of any consensus arrangement endorsing any candidate for the constituency and therefore rejected the reported adoption.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
The group further called for internal democracy within the party, urging the APC leadership to ensure a transparent and competitive primary election process.
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.
