Violence, protests and calls for the cancellation of the exercise mar yesterday’s governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State.
The contest featured 16 aspirants and utilized the direct mode of primary. But unrest among contenders dissatisfied with the conduct of the exercise marred the process.
Four aspirants, including Chief Olusola Oke, Hon Olugbenga Edema, Hon Wale Akinterinwa, and Prof Dayo Faduyile, opposed the primary. They cited alleged compromise by the committee led by Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State. They urged the party leadership to annul the primary.
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Violence erupted in various locations across the state, including Okitipupa, Idanre, Akure, Supare, and Akoko South-West. In Akure, former councilor Hon Yinka Akosile suffered machete cuts to the head from suspected political thugs during an attack at Obanla ward.
Reports indicated that political thugs disrupted voting at several centers, hindering supporters of certain aspirants from casting their votes. Additionally, there were claims of missing election materials in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, leading to a lack of voting activity in the area.
The four aggrieved aspirants highlighted the absence of voting materials in any political ward in Ondo, casting doubt on the credibility of the election outcome. At Ward 1, Stella Maris College, Okitipupa, violence broke out between supporters of rival aspirants before the commencement of accreditation and voting, causing panic among voters.
Despite the challenges, the seven-man Primary Election Committee emphasized its commitment to ensuring a credible process. Secretary of the committee, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, reported the participation of 172,025 party members, expressing optimism for a peaceful exercise and a successful bid for another eight years of APC administration.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa expressed contentment with the conduct of the shadow election, casting his vote at Ugbo Ward 4, Obenla in Ilaje council area.
He affirmed his belief in the democratic process and pledged to uphold transparency and fairness in candidate selection. Aiyedatiwa urged unity among stakeholders to advance Ondo’s development agenda.