Some governorship aspirants participating in today's All Progressives Congress (APC) primary in Akure, the Ondo State capital, have initiated a protest due to the non-distribution of election materials. Agents of these aspirants had gathered at the Bon Hotel, the designated venue for the distribution, and waited for over three hours.
While they waited, reports surfaced that APC members had already gathered at various wards in the Akoko area and parts of the Ondo South senatorial district, where voting had reportedly commenced. Despite assurances from Secretary of the Primary Election Committee, Senator Omo-Agege, that distribution would begin at 7 a.m., the protesting aspirants claimed they arrived at the hotel as early as 6:30 a.m. but did not witness any distribution of materials.
Dr. Olugbenga Edema, one of the aspirants, called for a postponement of the primary if the processes were not deemed credible. He stated that they had been informed materials would be distributed starting at 10 a.m. but had seen no evidence of this. Similarly, Barr. Shola Ajishafe, an agent for Wale Akinterinwa, expressed concerns over the lack of material distribution, especially in his ward, suggesting that the situation seemed designed to disadvantage certain groups.
Representing Chief Olusola Oke, Ogunleye Rotimi also noted the absence of materials in his area and emphasized the need for adherence to due process and party guidelines. In response, Ododo, the Chairman of the Committee, stated that materials had been distributed to Ondo North and South senatorial districts but acknowledged that distribution to Ondo Central was pending as of 10:30 a.m.
