Four governorship aspirants of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have demanded the cancellation of the ongoing governorship primary election over alleged fraudulent activities by the seven-man APC Electoral Committee chaired by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State.
The aspirants, expressing loss of trust in Ododo’s ability to conduct a free and fair election, urged the national leadership of the party to remove him urgently. They raised concerns that the controversy surrounding the exercise could affect the outcome of the primary election and the November governorship poll.
Addressing journalists at the BON Hotel in Akure, the state capital, the aggrieved aspirants, led by Barrister Gbenga Edema, criticized the conduct of the exercise, highlighting discrepancies in the distribution of voting materials and the accreditation process.
Edema emphasized the need for a credible election and called on the party leadership to intervene. He suggested postponing the election if necessary steps were not taken to ensure fairness and transparency.
Similarly, Sola Ajisafe, representing another aspirant, Akinterinwa, condemned the appointment of Ododo and called for the appointment of a neutral individual to oversee a new primary election.
Echoing their sentiments, Rotimi Ogunleye, speaking on behalf of aspirant Olusola Oke, expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the election process, urging adherence to the party’s guidelines and due process.
The aspirants warned that if the party leadership failed to address their concerns, they would take appropriate action, including rejecting any election results announced. They emphasized the importance of ensuring a free and fair electoral process to allow the people of Ondo State to choose their preferred candidate.
