Fresh controversy has continued to trail the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election in the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency of Ondo State following the emergence of a report allegedly released by the Chairman of the APC Primary Election Committee in Ondo State, Hon. Iboroma Harry.
The report, which reportedly declared a winner for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency primary election, has generated significant tension and disagreement among party members due to alleged irregularities surrounding the process. Observers within the party noted that the document was allegedly signed solely by the committee chairman without the counter-signatures of other committee members, a development that has further fueled speculation and internal disputes.
Party stakeholders have questioned the credibility of the report, especially as it allegedly contradicted earlier positions and circulating video evidence reportedly involving the APC returning officer in Owo Local Government Area. Some party members claimed that the political dynamics changed after a major supporter of the initially expected candidate allegedly shifted support to another aspirant, leading to the emergence of a different report and declaration.
The situation has sparked widespread debate within the constituency, with some APC members expressing concern over the emergence of the Chairman declared winner; Engr Kayode Ijalana whom they described as relatively new within the party structure and an ally of the disqualified candidate has not done much for the party. According to some stakeholders, questions are now being raised about the candidate’s political strength, contribution to party growth, and ability to mobilize support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
There were also allegations from some party members that the number one political figure within Ondo State along with a female commissioner in the state played a role in influencing the outcome reflected in the disputed report as an unverified call was pushed to the declared winner from a female commissioner in the state. However, these claims remain unverified as no official confirmation has been provided by the party leadership.
Sources within the APC disclosed that several committee members are allegedly not in agreement with the report issued by Hon. Iboroma Harry, which many observers linked to the absence of additional committee signatures on the document.
Meanwhile, concerned party faithful have called on the National Working Committee (NWC) and the APC national leadership in Abuja to urgently intervene in the matter to prevent further division and rancour within the party. Some stakeholders also suggested that the party may eventually adopt a consensus arrangement to resolve the crisis surrounding the Owo/Ose House of Representatives candidacy before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) submission deadline of May 30, 2026.
As of the time of filing this report, the APC national leadership had yet to issue an official statement regarding the controversy surrounding the Owo/Ose primary election results.
