The campaign organisation of Morufu Tosin Ibrahim has condemned the alleged unlawful disqualification of its candidate and other aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo North Senatorial District, describing the move as a violation of party rules and a threat to internal democracy that could destabilise the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The disqualification of Ibrahim, who had been cleared by the APC House of Representatives Screening Committee for the Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency, is the latest flashpoint in a growing crisis within the Ondo State chapter of the ruling party.

The campaign organisation, in a statement signed by Femi Elegbeleye, maintained that its candidate fulfilled all requirements stipulated by the party for participation in the primary election, including the purchase of the nomination form, submission of required documents, and participation in the screening exercise.

According to the organisation, the official screening report indicated that Ibrahim was among the aspirants cleared to participate in the primary election and that no petition or adverse report was communicated to him prior to the subsequent disqualification.

The group described the development as a matter of serious concern, particularly because, in its view, the affected aspirants were not given adequate notice or an opportunity to respond to any allegation that may have informed the decision, a breach of fair hearing principles that could have legal consequences.

The campaign organisation therefore called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding the disqualification and take steps to address any breach of the party’s rules or procedures, warning that failure to do so could further weaken confidence among party members and supporters.

It also appealed to Governor Aiyedatiwa to ensure that the ongoing process of political reconciliation is broad-based and inclusive, alleging that despite the governor’s reported plan to appoint 1,000 political aides, some of the affected aspirants were not contacted to nominate members of their respective support groups for consideration.

The organisation further expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as the alleged imposition of preferred candidates during the recent party primary, arguing that all members of the APC should be treated as stakeholders in the same political family.

It further disclosed that petitions had been submitted to the appropriate party authorities concerning the alleged irregularities but expressed disappointment that no satisfactory response or remedial action had been received.

It stated that it had pursued available internal channels and would consider seeking judicial intervention if the matter remained unresolved, noting that the courts may determine whether the process leading to the emergence of the party’s candidate complied with the APC Constitution and applicable electoral laws.

The organisation said it remained confident in the Nigerian judiciary and its role in ensuring that disputes are resolved in accordance with the law.

“This is not merely about one individual. It is about protecting the integrity of our party, strengthening internal democracy and ensuring that the aspirations and voices of APC members are respected,” the organisation said.

It urged the APC leadership to treat the grievances as an opportunity to rebuild trust and unity rather than allow them to deepen existing divisions within the party, warning that unresolved grievances could have political consequences if affected stakeholders become alienated.