Toba Owojaiye reporting
Akure, Ondo State
In a recent turn of events, the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections in Ondo State have left a trail of controversy and protests, with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa emerging as the party’s candidate for the upcoming governorship election. Despite his victory, the legitimacy of the primary process has been called into question by several candidates and party members, leading to demands for its annulment.
Truth Live News gathered that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s victory was declared after the primary elections on Saturday, which saw the participation of 171,922 members across the state’s 18 local government areas. He secured a significant lead with 48,569 votes, surpassing his closest contenders, Mayowa Akinfolarin and Olusola Oke, who garnered 15,343 and 14,865 votes, respectively. The direct mode of primary elections was employed across all 203 electoral wards, with Aiyedatiwa winning in 16 of the 18 LGAs.
Chairman of the Governorship Primary Election Committee, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, declared Aiyedatiwa the winner in the early hours of Monday, praising the overall smoothness of the electoral process, despite minor skirmishes. However, incidents of violence in Ifedore led to the cancellation of results from that area.
Despite Aiyedatiwa’s win, dissatisfaction with the conduct of the primary election has been voiced by several candidates, including Folakemi Omogoroye, who described the process as a “complete rape on democracy.” Omogoroye alleged that no elections took place in several wards, citing the absence of election officials and voting materials, which prevented her supporters from casting their votes.
The protests, led by disgruntled party members and supporters in the state capital, Akure, called for the annulment of the primary election and the removal of Ododo as the committee chair. They highlighted significant irregularities in the ward primaries across the state, claiming that the guidelines provided by the national secretariat were not followed.
The protests also serve as a warning to the APC’s national secretariat, urging intervention to prevent a potential crisis in the state. Protesters expressed concern that if an unpopular candidate is imposed, it could jeopardize the party’s chances in the upcoming governorship election.
Despite these challenges, Aiyedatiwa’s victory remains intact. However, the APC faces pressure to address the grievances raised by protesters and ensure a transparent and fair process leading up to the governorship election in Ondo State.
Aiyedatiwa’s ascent to the APC candidacy reflects his political prowess, particularly as he surpassed the more popular Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who failed to secure a top position in the primaries. As the deputy governor who assumed office after the death of his predecessor, Aiyedatiwa has proven himself as a formidable figure, securing his place as the party’s candidate amid controversy and dissent.