The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Ondo State held yesterday was marred by violence, protests, and calls for the cancellation of the exercise. Four aspirants have raised concerns over the conduct of the primary.
A total of 16 aspirants contested in the primary, which was conducted through a direct mode of primary. The aggrieved aspirants are Chief Olusola Oke, Hon Olugbenga Edema, Hon Wale Akinterinwa, and Prof Dayo Faduyile. They are calling for the cancellation of the primary, alleging compromise by Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State, who oversaw the exercise.
Violent incidents were reported in Okitipupa, Idanre, Akure (the state capital), Supare, and Akoko South-West. In Akure metropolis, Hon Yinka Akosile, a former councilor from Akure South council area, sustained machete cuts to the head by suspected political thugs. The thugs reportedly invaded the Obanla ward to disrupt the voting process.
According to reports, political thugs also stormed various voting centers to disrupt the exercise and prevent supporters of certain aspirants from casting their votes. Notably, election materials were not delivered to Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, resulting in no voting taking place.
The four aggrieved aspirants highlighted the absence of voting materials across political wards in Ondo. They raised concerns that the outcome of the primary might not be credible due to these irregularities.
Violence also erupted at Ward 1, Stella Maris College, Okitipupa, as supporters of rival aspirants clashed even before the accreditation and election procedures began. This led to voters fleeing the scene in search of safety.
On the other hand, the seven-member Primary Election Committee established to oversee the primary emphasized its commitment to ensuring the exercise’s credibility. The committee’s Secretary, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, disclosed that 172,025 party members participated in the primary. He stated, “We expect a seamless and peaceful exercise. This is not the general election but a family contest.”
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa expressed satisfaction with the primary’s conduct, having voted at his Ugbo Ward 4, Obenla in Ilaje council area. He reiterated his confidence in the democratic process and pledged to uphold transparency and fairness in the party’s candidate selection. Aiyedatiwa urged all stakeholders to prioritize unity and collaboration to advance Ondo’s development agenda.
