Chaos Erupts in Ondo APC Primaries as ‘Small Alhaji’ Allegedly Mobilizes Thugs to Hijack Electoral Process

The disruption, which reportedly unfolded during the collation and announcement stage of the House of Representatives primaries, has intensified the growing controversy surrounding the exercise and raised fresh concerns about the credibility of the process.

According to party insiders and a leaked audio conversation obtained by our correspondent, tension escalated dramatically after the primary committee was allegedly instructed to suspend proceedings midway through the announcement of results.

A source heard in the recording alleged that chaos erupted just as officials were preparing to declare the federal constituency results.

“A disqualified aspirant, Small Alhaji, allegedly mobilised thugs to the venue, creating panic and confusion. The atmosphere became extremely tense, and many people began leaving out of fear that the situation could spiral out of control,” the source claimed.

The speaker further alleged that the confusion began after a committee member reportedly received a phone call directing that the process be halted immediately.

“I was live on Facebook when the announcement started. They were about to announce the federal constituency results when Suma Aladji suddenly appeared, saying someone was on the phone ordering that the exercise be stopped,” the source said.

According to the recording, several party members initially believed the directive came from Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa before later suspecting otherwise.

“We all thought the instruction was from the governor, but later realised it was allegedly linked to the Commissioner for Finance, Omowunmi Isaac,” the source alleged.

However, these claims could not be independently verified as of press time, and no official response had been received from either the Finance Commissioner or the camp of Small Alhaji regarding the allegations.

The source also alleged that suspected thugs had been strategically stationed around the APC secretariat, issuing threats and further heightening fear among party members and stakeholders present at the venue.

“They had already mobilised boys from different wards. There was shouting everywhere, and threats were being made openly to disrupt the entire exercise,” the speaker alleged.

The escalating tension reportedly forced several party leaders, electoral committee members, and supporters to flee the APC secretariat as fears of violence mounted.

Small Alhaji was among seven aspirants earlier disqualified by the party ahead of the primaries. However, his reported presence and alleged involvement in activities surrounding the exercise have continued to fuel heated debate and division within the party.

Amid the growing backlash, the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State has moved to address grievances arising from the disputed primary.

In a statement issued by the party’s State Secretary, Alex Kalejaye, the APC announced the formation of a Primary Appeal Committee to hear petitions and complaints from aggrieved aspirants.

“The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State wishes to inform the general public, and indeed House of Representatives aspirants dissatisfied with the primary process so far, that the Primary Appeal Committee will be available today at the State Secretariat to entertain complaints,” the statement read.

The party urged aspirants to take advantage of the committee established “in the interest of fairness and justice,” assuring members that all complaints would be thoroughly reviewed.

The latest development comes amid deepening internal crisis within the Ondo APC, as concerns continue to grow over the conduct, transparency, and legitimacy of the House of Representatives primaries.