Some of the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State yesterday rejected the conduct of the primary election and demanded its cancellation. They also passed a vote of no confidence in the chairman of the primary election committee, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo. However, Ododo stated that the primary proceeded as planned and commended party members for their massive turnout.
Addressing newsmen in Akure while the election was ongoing, the aspirants claimed that Governor Ododo did not follow the due process laid down by the national leadership of the party. Mr. Gbenga Edema, one of the aspirants, expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in the release of electoral materials meant for the primary.
Mr. Sola Ajisafe, representing Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, another aspirant, stated that there was no election held in the state and called for a rescheduling of another election due to the alleged connivance to compromise the process. Mr. Rotimi Ogunleye, representing Mr. Olusola Oke, asked the committee to follow due process and requested President Bola Tinubu's intervention.
Ojo Oyewamide, spokesman for the Olusola Oke campaign organization, described the primary as a defilement of decency and democratic conduct, stating that no primary election was conducted in Ondo State on that day.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa voted at Ugbo Ward 4, Obenla, Ilaje Local Government Area, expressing confidence in the democratic process and reiterating his commitment to transparency and fairness. He urged stakeholders to embrace unity for the development of Ondo State.
Meanwhile, violence erupted at Ward 1 at Stella Maris College, Okitipupa, between supporters of two aspirants, leading to the dispersion of voters. In another incident, the state Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, was beaten up by angry party members at Ugbo Ward 3, Ilaje Local Government Area, for allegedly withholding result sheets. Ajaka confirmed the incident, stating that he was attacked while trying to explain the situation.
