Candidates have now emerged in eight of the nine federal constituencies after the All Progressives Congress conducted its House of Representatives primaries in Osun State, although one constituency remains unresolved following disputes and protests from dissatisfied aspirants.
The exercise attracted significant political interest across the state and featured fierce contests, late consensus agreements, and disagreements surrounding delegate lists and collation processes.
After hours of collation, party officials confirmed winners in eight constituencies, while results for the remaining constituency were delayed due to complaints from stakeholders regarding how the primary was handled.
Among the successful candidates were Emmanuel Sanya Omirin for Ijesa South Federal Constituency and Abeeb Adedamola for Iwo Federal Constituency, while Ayodele Adalu emerged through consensus in Ede Federal Constituency.
Dr. Simeon Obawale secured victory in Ila/Ifedayo/Boluwaduro Federal Constituency, while Ajilesoro Taofeek won in Ife Constituency.
Other APC candidates include Oluwole Oke for Obokun/Oriade, Francis Eniade for Boripe/Ifelodun/Odo-Otin, and Taiwo Oluga for Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituencies.
The primaries, however, witnessed several tense moments.
At different centres across the state, supporters of rival aspirants accused party leaders of favouring certain candidates, while others raised concerns over delegate accreditation and vote collation irregularities.
The disagreements reportedly sparked protests in some constituencies, with angry supporters calling for cancellation of results and fresh primaries.
Political analysts noted that the outcome of the exercise could influence the APC’s internal stability in Osun ahead of the governorship and general elections, especially as opposition parties intensify their mobilisation efforts across the state.
Despite the protests, the party leadership insisted the primaries were generally peaceful and conducted in line with party guidelines, even though some supporters alleged irregularities and attempted imposition of candidates.
Observers also believe that while consensus arrangements may help calm tensions in some constituencies, unresolved grievances could still trigger defections and anti-party activities if not properly addressed.
A senior party chieftain, who spoke anonymously, acknowledged the intensity of the contests, noting that many aspirants view National Assembly seats as key political platforms ahead of 2027.
“The struggle was expected because many politicians see the National Assembly as a major political launch pad. What the party must do now is reconciliation,” the source said.
Security was reinforced at several collation centres as tensions increased during the announcement of results, although no major breakdown of law and order was recorded.
Political observers say the primaries highlight growing internal competition within the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections, as aspirants battle for strategic legislative positions.
Some analysts added that although consensus arrangements eased tensions in certain areas, lingering grievances elsewhere could still threaten party unity if not properly resolved.
To reduce internal discord, the party has urged aggrieved aspirants to use internal dispute resolution channels instead of staging public protests, while also encouraging members to prioritise unity ahead of the next electoral cycle in Nigeria.
With the primaries concluded, focus is now shifting towards possible reconciliation meetings expected to be organised by party leaders to prevent post-primary tensions from affecting the APC’s electoral plans in Nigeria.
