6th June, 2018
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun has promised to ensure credible and transparent primary among its 27 aspirants ahead of the Sept. 22 gubernatorial election in the state.
Mr Gboyega Famodun, the state Chairman of the party, said this on Wednesday at its secretariat in Osogbo when one of the aspirants, Mr Peter Babalola, declared his intention to contest.
Famodun, who noted that there was agitation for zoning of the party’s ticket to the West Senatorial District of the state, said the party would be guided by its constitution.
“Although, l have respect for people of the West, but I stand with the party’s constitution.
“Since we are going to the primary, whatever the wishes of delegates, I will abide, but I will ensure open and transparent primary,” he said.
In his remarks, Babalola said that the party should allow the West Senatorial District of the state to produce the next governor.
He said since the Central District had governed the state for more than 11 years and East District for close to eight years, the West District should also be given the slot.
Babalola, who is from the West District, however, said that even if the party does not give him the ticket, someone from the district should be considered.
He said that all the aspirants from the West District had signed an agreement not to leave the party irrespective of anyone picked from the district.
Babalola also canvassed that any aspirant to be picked should be a Christian, adding that Muslims had ruled the state for years.
The aspirant, who is the Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, said he was vying for the governorship election to consolidate on Gov. Rauf Aregbesola’s legacies.
” I have the experience and I am competent to govern the state,’’ Babalola said.
There had been agitation by APC members for the zoning of the party’s ticket to the West District of the state.