APC fails to reconcile Ondo aspirants as Ibrahim, Oke, others shun photograph with Aiyetadiwa

The first meeting between the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and aggrieved aspirants from the Ondo State primary election concluded without a resolution on Thursday. 

Party officials, however, announced that the dialogue would persist until a resolution is found.

The primary election, held on April 20 and 21, saw Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa emerge victorious, defeating 15 other aspirants. 

However, six aspirants, including Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and Olusola Oke, contested the outcome, filing petitions challenging Aiyedatiwa’s victory.

To address the discord, Ganduje summoned the aspirants, including Aiyedatiwa, for reconciliation ahead of the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State. Although some aspirants were absent, Governor Aiyedatiwa and 14 others attended the meeting.

During the session, Ganduje urged the aspirants to prioritize the party’s interest and unity, drawing from his political journey. However, despite appeals for cooperation, none of the aggrieved aspirants agreed to withdraw their petitions.

Some of the aspirants like Ibrahim, Oke and former finance commissioner, Wale Akintetirinwa also shunned the photograph session after the meeting.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, the APC’s deputy national publicity secretary, Duru Meseko, stated that the party would continue engaging with the aspirants to find common ground for the upcoming election.