20th April, 2024
By Aderemi Bamgbose
Some contestants in the primary of All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2024 Ondo governorship election conducted on Saturday have called for the cancellation of the exercise.
The aspirants lamented that party officials saddled with the responsibility of conducting the exercise failed to live up to expectations.
At least, 171,922 accredited members of the party in 203 wards in the state were expected to elect one of the 16 aspirants jostling to be the party’s candidate in the Nov. 16, governorship election.
Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state is one of the 16 aspirants jostling to get the ticket to be party’s flag bearer in the upcoming election.
But some of the aspirants who spoke in separate interviews on Saturday in Okitipupa and Ilutitun areas of Ondo State said inadequate preparation marred the election, which did not hold in some wards in their areas.
One of the aspirants, Chief Ife Oyedele, said that the election process was marred by pockets of violence at some voting centres across the state.
Oyedele, who spoke with NAN in Okitipupa, said that violence recorded during the primary was worrisome and a shame to the party.
“I am surprised at the process. The APC is supposed to set example for other parties, but look at what happened. This is totally condemnable,” Oyedele said.
Also, Princess Oladuni Odu, a chieftain of APC, condemned the election process over the violence recorded and late arrival of election materials and officials in some wards.
Odu, the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, also chided the lackadaisical behaviour of some officials superintending the election in some wards.
“Our people here in Okitipupa Ward 2 were prepared for the election, but there was another accreditation list brought as against the party’s list.
“Some people in power believe that they can use their power to force themselves to return to power through back door. We will not accept it,” she said.
According to her, this election did not hold, another date should be picked because this was not properly done.
Another APC aspirant, retired Maj.-Gen. Olamide Ohunyeye, who spoke in Ilutitun Ward 1, said that the APC committee members and the election umpire were not seen at any of the three wards in Ilutitun.
Ohunyeye, who spoke through Dr Deji Akinwalere, Director General, Olamide Ohunyeye Campaign Organisation, said that no election was conducted Ilutitun.
“Our people were here since morning, but neither the APC committee, the electoral umpires and even the materials have been here.
“We can not say there was an election because it not even hold at any of the three wards of Ilutitun 1, 2 and 3.
“So, this process is totally condemnable as far as I am concerned. (NAN)
Edited by Bayo Sekoni