An aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency seat in Ondo State, Prince Monday Akinyomi, has petitioned President Bola Tinubu over alleged irregularities and manipulation in the party’s primary election process.
In a protest letter dated May 18, 2026, Akinyomi alleged that the primary election scheduled for May 16 did not take place as officials assigned to conduct the exercise allegedly failed to appear at the venue.
The aggrieved aspirant claimed that the process was deliberately compromised, warning that such developments could erode confidence in the internal democratic process of the ruling party.
According to him, the situation contradicts the democratic values and progressive ideals which the APC publicly professes to uphold.
Akinyomi, who recently returned to Nigeria after residing in the United States, said he was inspired to participate in the political process following President Tinubu’s call on Nigerians in the diaspora to return home and contribute to national development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He stated that he responded to the appeal by returning to the country, remaining committed to the APC, and supporting the party during the 2023 general elections.
The aspirant disclosed that he purchased the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency contest in good faith, with the expectation of a transparent and credible exercise.
He, however, lamented that the alleged manipulation of the process had raised serious concerns about fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity within the party.
Akinyomi further warned that failure to address the issue could discourage Nigerians in the diaspora from responding to future calls to return home and participate in governance and national development.
He argued that allowing such practices to persist would send a negative message that competence, loyalty, and sacrifice are subordinate to predetermined political arrangements.
The APC aspirant appealed to President Tinubu to intervene and ensure justice, fairness, and due process in the conduct of the primary election.
He also expressed confidence in the President’s leadership and urged him to safeguard the integrity of the APC and Nigeria’s democratic process.
Copies of the petition were also sent to the national leadership of the APC in Abuja.
