By Duchess Ifeoluwa
The All Progressives Congress has cleared 16 aspirants to participate in its forthcoming senatorial primary elections in Ondo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A document released by the party and obtained by journalists showed that all the aspirants screened for the three senatorial districts in the state were successfully cleared by the party’s screening committee.
In Ondo North Senatorial District, five aspirants were cleared to contest for the party’s ticket. They are Alexander Oluremi Ajipe, Senator Olajide Emmanuel Ipinsagba, Hon. Adejoro Adeogun, Michael Abayomi Adeyanju and Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye.
The contest in Ondo Central Senatorial District is expected to be a straight battle between the incumbent senator, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, and former Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, both of whom were cleared by the committee.
In Ondo South Senatorial District, nine aspirants were cleared for the race, indicating what observers described as the most competitive senatorial contest within the state chapter of the APC.
Those cleared for the Ondo South contest include Princess Carthrina, Akinfolarin Mayo Samuel, Barrister Morayo Lebi, Akinboye Taiwo, Rt. Hon. Jumoke Akindele, Sylvester Muyiwa Adu, Hon. Dr. D.I. Kekemeke, former Deputy Governor, H.E. Ajayi Alfred Agboola, and Abdul Mohammed Adetunyi.
The release of the list has heightened political activities within the ruling party across the state, as aspirants intensify consultations and mobilization ahead of the primaries.
Political observers noted that the large number of aspirants cleared for Ondo South reflects the strategic importance of the district and the growing interest among party stakeholders in the senatorial seat.
Attention is also expected to focus on Ondo Central, where the contest between Senator Adegbonmire and Dr. Fasoranti is already generating significant political discussions within the party.
The APC had earlier conducted its House of Representatives direct primary elections across the state, with party leaders commending the peaceful and orderly conduct of the exercise.
The senatorial primaries are expected to hold under tight security and in accordance with the guidelines approved by the party’s national leadership.
