In a contentious turn of events, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Ondo State Governor, emerged as the leading candidate in the governorship primary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, held over the weekend. However, the outcome of the poll has been shrouded in controversy, with allegations of procedural breaches and protests surfacing amidst the unfolding drama.
Despite ongoing announcements of results by the chairman of the primary election committee and Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Usman Ododo, Mr. Aiyedatiwa has maintained a conspicuous lead. With results declared from 15 out of the 18 local government areas in the state, Aiyedatiwa has secured victories across all 15 regions, amassing a reported 42,035 votes, as confirmed by the chairman of the election committee.
Nevertheless, as the committee proceeded on a short break, grievances and accusations surfaced, challenging the integrity of the electoral process. Scores of APC members, echoing the sentiments of disgruntled aspirants and supporters, took to the streets of Akure, the state capital, to voice their discontent. Allegations of non-compliance with party guidelines and irregularities in the conduct of the primary echoed through the protests, underscoring deep-seated concerns about the fairness and transparency of the selection process.
Voices of dissent resonated strongly, with protesters armed with placards bearing messages of disenchantment and calls for justice. The Director-General of the Olusola Oke Campaign Organisation, Ondo Central Senatorial District, Mr. Adeniran Oyebade, articulated the collective outrage, denouncing what he termed as “daylight robbery” of the people’s mandate. Similar sentiments were echoed by other aspirants and their supporters, demanding the annulment of the election and highlighting the division sown within the party ranks by the contentious proceedings.
In the wake of mounting criticisms and calls for redress, the future trajectory of the APC’s gubernatorial candidacy in Ondo State remains uncertain. As allegations of electoral malpractice reverberate, the specter of discord looms large over the party’s internal dynamics, raising pertinent questions about the sanctity of democratic processes and the imperative of upholding electoral integrity.
