Chief Olusola Oke, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, has decried the conduct of the party’s primary election, labelling it as a “sham.”
Through his campaign organization’s spokesperson, Ojo Oyewamide, Oke asserted that no primary election took place across the state as expected.
According to Oke, the primary election materials were not distributed to the 203 wards as promised by the Ododo-led election committee.
He further claimed that many of his supporters were subjected to violence and harassment, with instances of them being beaten and intimidated at designated voting centers.
Oke lamented the lack of democratic conduct, citing instances where election officers in some wards were allegedly biased towards one particular aspirant. He accused these officers of being housed in a single hotel to manipulate the election process in favor of their preferred candidate.
He stated, “Therefore, we like to state, very categorically, that no primary election was conducted by the APC in Ondo state today, Saturday, 20, 2024. Rather, what happened was shameful, and it constituted a serious dent on the image of our dear party.”
In contrast, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa participated in the primary held at Ugbo Ward 4, Obenla, Ilaje local government, expressing confidence in the democratic process. He emphasized his commitment to transparency and fairness, urging stakeholders to embrace unity towards the development agenda of Ondo State.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s participation marked a significant event for him, as he expressed gratitude to his constituents and party members. He reflected on his roots and childhood memories, underscoring the importance of reconnecting with his community.
He concluded, “Returning to this cherished community fills my heart with great excitement and gratitude. It is a privilege to stand once again among the people who have shaped my life’s journey. I extend my deepest appreciation to all who have gathered here to partake in this important democratic process. Together, let us forge ahead towards a brighter future for our beloved State.”
