APC in a Fix as Governorship Aspirants Reject Ondo State Primary Election Results
The recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the office of governor in Ondo State has ignited controversy and raised serious concerns. Aspirants are up in arms, alleging irregularities and demanding that the results be invalidated.
Sham Election Allegations: The majority of the aspirants have decried what they describe as a “sham” election.
According to their claims, the exercise was marred by pre-prepared results that were declared even before the actual voting took place. Suspicion has fallen squarely on the national chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Umaru Ganduje, who stands accused of orchestrating the process in favour of the incumbent governor, Chief Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
148,000 Votes and Controversy: Chief Lucky Aiyedatiwa emerged as the declared winner with approximately 148,000 votes, defeating twenty-one other aspirants. However, the aggrieved members of the party in Ondo State vehemently reject these figures, alleging that they were manipulated from the party’s headquarters in Abuja.
No Voting, Only Results: Chief Michael Abegunde, a prominent figure residing in Akure, the state capital, expressed his disappointment with the entire exercise. “No voting took place in most of the wards across the state. Instead, results were declared, turning this process into a charade and a disgrace to the party.”
Warning Signs Ahead: Abegunde issued a stern warning to the national headquarters. Should they fail to cancel the controversial primary and order a fresh election, he predicts dire consequences for the party in the upcoming governorship election. “Members might cast protest votes for the opposition,” he cautioned.
Emergency Meeting and Little Progress: Reports indicate that the national headquarters has intervened in an attempt to pacify the disgruntled aspirants and their supporters.
“An emergency meeting was convened, aiming to persuade them to accept the results and rally behind the incumbent governor; however, insiders suggest that the meeting achieved very little, as most aspirants remained steadfast in their rejection of the outcome, demanding a new primary election.
The APC now faces a critical juncture, with tensions running high and the legitimacy of the primary results hanging in the balance. As the political landscape heats up, all eyes are on Ondo State, waiting to see how this unfolding drama will impact the upcoming gubernatorial race.
