By Ken Afor
Some governorship aspirants from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of Saturday’s primary election.
They highlighted inadequate preparation as a major issue, noting that the election did not take place in some wards.
A total of 171,922 accredited party members across 203 wards in Ondo State were expected to elect one candidate from among the 16 aspirants vying to become the party’s flag bearer in the November 16 governorship election.
Among these aspirants is the State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Chief Ifeoluwa Oyedele, one of the aspirants, expressed concern over the occurrence of violence at various voting centers throughout the state during the election process.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Okitipupa, Oyedele described the violence as alarming and embarrassing for the party.
TheNewDiplomat gathered that altercation occurred at Ward 9, Eji-Oba High School, Oba-Ile, Akure North Local Government Area where Ondo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, allegedly assaulted Mr. Tayo Ikujuni, an Assistant Deputy Editor-in-Chief of NAN for not identifying himself as a journalist.
Elsewhere, at Ugbo Ward 3, Ilaje Local Government Area, angry members of the APC allegedly assaulted Ondo Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, for reportedly concealing a result sheet.
“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.
Princess Oladuni Odu, a prominent member of the APC, criticized the election process due to the violence witnessed and the delayed arrival of election materials and officials in certain wards.
Odu, who served as the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, also rebuked the lax attitude displayed by some election officials overseeing the process in various 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, the election was not conducted properly, and she believes another date should be chosen for a rerun.
Another APC aspirant for the Ondo State ticket, retired Maj.-Gen. Olamide Ohunyeye, speaking from Ilutitun Ward 1, stated that neither the APC committee members nor the election umpire were present at any of the three wards in Ilutitun.
Ohunyeye in a statement issued by Dr. Deji Akinwalere, Director General of the Olamide Ohunyeye Campaign Organisation, emphasized that no election took place in Ilutitun.
He said: “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.”
Other aspirants jostling for the party’s ticket are Isaac Kekemeke, former APC National Vice-Chairman (South West); Olusoji Ehinlanwo, Olugbenga Edema, a former member of the state House of Assembly; and Jimoh Ibrahim, a serving senator.
Others are Funmilayo Waheed-Adekojo, Akinfolarin Samuel, former Commissioner for Finance, Adewale Akinterinwa; Olusola Oke, a former Governorship candidate in the state, and Morayo Lebi.
Also in contention are Garvey Iyanjan; Dayo Faduyile, a professor, Judith Omogoroye and Okunjimi John
