The All Progressives Congress (APC) has begun uploading the names of its Senate and House of Representatives candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.
The exercise is in line with INEC guidelines and has cleared the way for standard-bearers in Ondo, Benue, Kwara and Kogi states, where many aspirants had laid claim to the party’s tickets, reports The Nation.
The National Working Committee (NWC), which has the final authority, approved the final list before it was uploaded to the INEC portal.
Some of the cleared candidates confirmed that they received Form EC9 from the commission last night.
House of Representatives members Donald Ojogo (Ilaje-Ese Odo Constituency) and Festus Adefiranye (Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Constituency), who were cleared for re-election, applauded the party for giving them another opportunity to serve.
Among the successful senatorial candidates are Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West), Prince Paul Ikonne (Abia South), Senator Emmanuel Udende (Benue Northeast), Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Ondo Central), Senator Titus Tartenger (Benue Northwest) and Senator Olajide Ipinsagba (Ondo North).
Successful House of Representatives candidates include John Odimayo (Okitipupa/Irele Constituency), Abdulazeez Kaka (Kaduna North), Chief Samuel Okezie (Ukwa East/Ukwa West), Ekumankama Nkama (Afikpo North/Edda), Abubakar Abdullahi (Suleja/Tafa/Mokwa) and Festus Olarewaju (Idanre/Ifedore).
Others are Dr. Rafiu Ajakaye (Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency), Mohammed Mamman (Edu/Patigi/Moro) and Raheem Olawuyi (Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke Ero)
It was learnt last night that meetings to fine-tune the list were still ongoing at the National Secretariat.
However, aggrieved aspirants protested in Ondo State, alleging manipulation and urging the party to redress the perceived injustice.
In a June 29 letter titled “Forwarding of Approved List of Senatorial and House of Representatives Candidates,” signed by National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, the APC said the list emerged from the reports of the Primary Appeal Committees.
It reads: “Following the determination of appeals from the recently concluded primaries, the reports of the Appeal Committees were reviewed and subsequently considered and approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party’s final position on the affected constituencies.
“In accordance with the Electoral Act (as amended) and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines, we hereby transmit the enclosed list of the approved candidates for the seven senatorial districts and 19 House of Representatives constituencies for your records and necessary action.”
Candidates get forms
Candidates who received the Candidate Affidavit Form were advised to complete it carefully before final submission to INEC.
Sources said the party assigned NWC members and designated state party officers to coordinate the distribution of the forms under the supervision of the National Vice Chairmen across the six geopolitical zones.
Under the commission’s strictly enforced timetable, political parties have been granted access codes to the electronic portal to upload the credentials of validly nominated candidates.
Form EC9 is a mandatory statutory requirement, serving as an affidavit of personal particulars that must be sworn to and uploaded to the INEC portal before the close of nominations.
The distribution, which began last Saturday, requires candidates to complete the forms, attach the necessary documentation and return them through the zonal party leaders to the APC ICT Department for final upload to the portal.
Oyo candidates get forms
Candidates for Senate and House of Representatives seats in Oyo State yesterday received their nomination forms in Abuja.
The forms were presented on behalf of Prof. Yilwatda by the Deputy National Auditor, Mr. Olugbenga Olayemi.
The candidates, who received Forms EC13D (Nomination) and EC9 (Affidavit in Support of Candidate’s Personal Particulars), are Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), Hon. Remi Oseni (Oyo South) and Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan (Oyo North).
The House of Representatives candidates are Bosun Oladele (Olorunsogo/Irepo/Oorelope), Tajudeen Kareem (Saki West/Saki East/Atisbo), Saheed Adejare Yusuf (Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa), Olamiju Alao-Akala (Ogbomosho North/Ogbomosho South/Oriire), and Olusegun Odebunmi (Ogo Oluwa/Surulere).
Others are Akeem Adeyemi (Afijio/Atiba/Oyo East/Oyo West), Tolulope Akande Sadipe (Oluyole), Umar Farouk Alao-Arisekola (Ibadan North), Folake Olunloyo-Oshinowo (Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West) and Ola Iyiola (Ibadan South-East/Ibadan North-East).
The rest are Sarafadeen Olaoniye (Ibarapa North/Ibarapa Central), Yusuf Asimiyu Osuolale (Ibarapa East/Ido), Olafisoye Akinmoyede (Akinyele/Lagelu), and Akin Alabi (Egbeda/Ona Ara).
It was learnt that the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Ali, and his running mate would receive their forms on Thursday alongside other APC governorship candidates.
Speaking yesterday, Yilwatda told the National Assembly candidates:
“We are here today to present INEC forms to the three senatorial candidates and 14 House of Representatives candidates from Oyo State.
“You will recall that on May 16, the party conducted National Assembly primaries in all the states of the federation.
“After the conduct of the primaries, the NWC looked into the grievances expressed in some states and concluded that the primaries held in Oyo State were free, fair and rancour-free.
“I am here to present the INEC forms to the successful candidates in Oyo State. As the Deputy National Auditor representing Oyo State, I congratulate you and wish you success in the coming elections.”
I will serve with dedication, says Ojogo
Ojogo, who secured a return ticket to represent Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency of Ondo State, reaffirmed his commitment to dedicated service.
In a statement acknowledging his nomination, he said: “The primary election of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), for the 2027 electoral cycle has been concluded.
“I have, once again, been honoured with the party’s ticket to represent the good people of Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in the 11th National Assembly as a ranking member.”
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for the opportunity.
Adefiranye hails Tinubu, Tunji-Ojo
Adefiranye thanked President Tinubu, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and other party leaders, attributing his victory to divine favour and the support of traditional rulers, stakeholders and residents.
He commended party faithful for their commitment and sacrifices, saying their encouragement and prayers played a pivotal role in his victory.
The lawmaker also acknowledged the contributions of his media team, describing their professionalism and dedication as invaluable.
He pledged to consolidate on his achievements and attract more developmental projects if re-elected in 2027.
Adefiranye assured constituents that he would continue to serve with humility, diligence, transparency and integrity.
He added: “This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every one of us. I do not take your confidence, sacrifices and trust for granted.
“Together, we will consolidate on our achievements and continue to deliver meaningful dividends of democracy to our people.”
He also pledged to work for the victory of the APC and President Tinubu in the general election and extended an olive branch to other aspirants, saying the time had come for reconciliation and collective action ahead of the 2027 polls.
Group welcomes final list
The Ondo State chapter of the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT) hailed the final list and congratulated the successful candidates.
The group thanked President Tinubu, the NWC, Tunji-Ojo and other party leaders for upholding the decision of the Appeal Committee.
In a statement by its Director-General, Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, GMT said the NWC’s decision was consistent with the APC Constitution and reflected the party’s commitment to justice, internal democracy and peaceful dispute resolution.
The group urged other aspirants and their supporters to remain calm, respect the party’s decision and place the collective interest of the APC above individual ambitions.
It, however, condemned Osamaye for leading a protest against the party, saying she should be familiar with the constitutional powers of the NWC, having served at the APC National Secretariat and in the National Assembly.
GMT also urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to caution his appointees and ensure they respect the decisions and supremacy of the party in the interest of unity and discipline.
Protest in Akure
Supporters of aggrieved aspirants who failed to make the final list yesterday protested in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The protesters, led by the women’s wing of the party, blocked the Ilesha-Akure-Benin Expressway.
They accused the APC national leadership of manipulating the outcome of the primaries by replacing candidates who emerged through a transparent process with preferred aspirants.
Bearing placards with various inscriptions, they demanded the withdrawal of the controversial list.
