By Our Political Correspondent | May 17, 2026

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully concluded the first phase of its 2026 National Assembly primary elections in Ondo State, producing candidates for all nine federal constituencies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The results, announced by authorised returning officers at designated constituency headquarters between Saturday, May 16, and the early hours of Sunday, May 17, 2026, were presented at a press briefing by the Chairman of the Ondo State APC National Assembly Primary Election Committee, Hon. Iboroma Harry Dabibi.

The Winners at a Glance

Akoko North East/Akoko North West — Ifeoluwa Ehindero won convincingly with 22,304 votes, far ahead of closest rival Ibrahim Moruf Tosin, who polled 330 votes.

Ondo West/Ondo East — Dr. Abiola Peter Makinde secured the ticket with 10,847 votes, defeating Ade Adeniyi (2,045 votes) and three others.

Okitipupa/Irele — Dr. Damamola Olumuyiwa emerged victorious with 6,547 votes in an eight-man race, beating Prince Jimi Odimayo who came second with 827 votes.

Akure North/Akure South — Hon. Omowunmi Olatunji Ohwovoriole won a hotly contested ten-candidate race with 9,237 votes. Hon. Dennis Fadairo came second with 2,120 votes.

Akoko South East/Akoko South West — Hon. Adefarati Gboyega was declared winner after the leading aspirant, Dr. Ategbole Olusegun Victor, who polled 12,011 votes, was disqualified for failing to clear the party’s screening committee. Gboyega, who scored 1,865 valid votes, was elevated to the winner’s spot.

Owo/Ose Federal Constituency — Engr. Kayode Ijalana won with 7,098 valid votes after the top vote-getter, Hon. Ayodeji Arowele Samuel (9,690 votes), was similarly disqualified for not being cleared by the screening committee.

Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency — Rasaq Obe clinched the ticket with 4,988 valid votes after the frontrunner, Hon. Adefisoye Tajudeen Adeyemi (5,463 votes), was invalidated on screening grounds. Moshood Bakare finished second among the valid candidates with 1,473 votes.

Odigbo/Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Federal Constituency — Hon. Matthew Oyerimade recorded a landslide victory, polling 12,744 votes against Hon. Festus Adefiranye’s 1,944 in a six-person contest.

Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency — Akingboye Akinleke David won with 9,284 votes, ahead of Otunba Ayara (2,554) and Hon. Donald Ojogo (2,038).

Presenting the results, Committee Chairman Dabibi described the exercise as free, fair, and transparent, commending Ondo APC leadership, party members, and stakeholders for what he called a calm and orderly atmosphere throughout the election.

“The seamless and peaceful conduct of the Party’s primary elections speaks to our collective resolve to strengthen internal democracy,” Dabibi said, adding that the outcome reinforced public confidence in the party’s internal processes.

Dabibi used the occasion to call for unity among party members, urging those who lost to set aside bitterness and rally behind the eventual candidates.
“After this primary election, we must all unite as one strong, indivisible family, fully focused on the bigger task ahead,” he said, referring to the 2027 general elections and the goal of delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration votes in Ondo State.
The party is expected to proceed to the second phase of its primary exercise covering senatorial districts.

The results are as announced by authorised returning officers and signed off by Hon. Iboroma Harry Dabibi, Chairman, Ondo State APC 2026 National Assembly Primary Election Committee, on May 17, 2026.