A fresh legal battle has intensified the internal crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) after loyalists of Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa filed a lawsuit against the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), challenging the outcome of the National Assembly primaries and seeking to stop the alleged substitution of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Fresh cracks have emerged within the ruling APC in Ondo State as several aspirants believed to be loyal to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa have approached the court over the outcome of the party’s National Assembly primaries.
The suit, which names the APC National Working Committee and INEC as defendants, marks the latest chapter in a dispute that has continued to generate tension within the party following the conclusion of the June 29 primary elections.
The aggrieved aspirants are challenging what they described as attempts to alter or replace the list of candidates who emerged from the National Assembly primaries conducted under INEC’s supervision.
According to court filings, the plaintiffs are asking the court to restrain the APC from substituting the names of candidates allegedly produced by the primaries pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Among those involved in the legal action are several prominent APC aspirants, including former Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye, alongside other senatorial and House of Representatives hopefuls.
The plaintiffs have retained senior lawyer Remi Olatubora (SAN) to challenge the party’s actions before the court.
The lawsuit comes after weeks of disagreements over the conduct of APC primaries in Ondo State.
Party members have been divided over the authenticity of candidate lists, with previous protests demanding recognition of what some members described as the genuine results of the direct primaries. Political observers say the latest litigation could further complicate the party’s preparations ahead of the 2027 elections.
Legal analysts say the outcome of the case could significantly affect the APC’s candidate lineup in Ondo State.
If the court rules in favour of the plaintiffs, the party could be compelled to recognise a different list of candidates or revisit aspects of its nomination process before the general election. However, no judgment has been delivered, and the matter remains before the court.
The court action underscores the growing internal challenges facing the APC in Ondo State as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections. Whether the dispute is resolved through litigation or internal reconciliation may determine how united the party enters the next electoral cycle.