He alleged that such action means that Makinde is now trying to impose another set of lackeys who would be loyal to him even after leaving the office.

“The whole world knows that Gov. Makinde does not believe in local government autonomy, and when it comes to democracy at the grassroots, he cannot be trusted for anything. He has feasted on the resources of the 33 local government councils in the state for over seven years and the people cannot wait for him to leave in May for the third tier of government to regain their freedom.

“The same Makinde is now trying to impose another set of lackeys who would be loyal to him even after leaving Agodi Government House and he knows he cannot do this after the conduct of the 2027 general elections, which outcome would strip him of all political power and influence.”

According to him, the credibility of the election will depend largely on how effectively security and anti-corruption agencies handle electoral offences.

Fayose argued that Nigeria’s democratic system continues to suffer because elections are often manipulated, making it difficult for truly popular candidates to emerge victorious.

He said, “Nigeria is not developing because our electoral system is faulty. Popular people don’t get into power but unpopular people do because they are rigged in.

“If our votes can’t put the best candidates there, it means we are in a mess. We will see on Saturday whether EFCC is effective or not.

“If EFCC is on ground, they should be able to apprehend many vote buyers because APC is planning to buy votes. EFCC, Nigerians are watching, you now have an office in Ekiti State.

“We have credible information that these people are planning to buy votes”.

Their victories reaffirmed their strong influence within the party and their constituencies.

Meanwhile, James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, also clinched his ticket, while Yusuf Buhari, son of the late president Muhammadu Buhari, emerged as a first-time candidate in Katsina.

Winners of APC 2026 primaries

Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, was returned unopposed in Zaria Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker, also secured his ticket.

Mudasiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, won unopposed in Agege James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, clinched victory in Ikeja/Ojodu Yusuf Buhari, son of the late president Muhammadu Buhari, won in Katsina, marking his first entry into the Green Chamber.

Other notable winners included Jimi Benson (Ikorodu), Yusuf Gagdi (Plateau), Ndudi Elumelu (Delta), and Olumide Osoba (Ogun).

Major losses in the APC primaries

House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere lost his bid for a third term in Edo Four sitting members from Imo state, Matthew Nwogu, Miriam Onuoha, Harrison Nwadike, and Emeka Chinedu, failed to secure return tickets Popular businessman Cubana Chief Priest also lost his bid.

State highlights after ruling party primaries

Kaduna: Samaila Abdul Suleiman won convincingly in Kaduna North with 3,049 votes, defeating Abdulaziz Abubakar Kaka and Abubakar Mahmoud, but Kaka’s campaign alleged disenfranchisement of supporters

Edo: Ihonvbere’s defeat was linked to a zoning agreement between Owan East and West, with Hon Eseosa Iyawe also losing in Oredo

Delta: Ndudi Elumelu secured Aniocha/Oshimili, while Erhiatake Ibori won Ethiope

Ogun: Olumide Osoba emerged for Owode/Abeokuta North/Odeda

Kogi: Leke Abejide, formerly of ADC, won unopposed in Yagba

Plateau: Yusuf Gagdi was endorsed for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam

Jigawa: Five incumbents retained their tickets, while four lost to new aspirants

Ekiti: HoR spokesman Akintunde Rotimi won in Ekiti North I, defeating five rivals.