A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Olusola Oke has declared that no primary election held in any part of the State.
Oke said what happened in the 203 Wards across the State was a sham.
Oke, who spoke through Ojo Oyewamide, spokesman for his campaign organisation, said the Ondo APC primary defied all descriptions of decency and democratic conduct.
Oke said primary election materials were not distributed to the 203 wards across the State as expected and assured by the Ododo-led election committee.
He said many of his supporters were beaten and harassed.
In a statement, Oke said: “Members of APC, who are eligible to vote for their preferred aspirants, did not have the opportunity to do so. Many of them queued in the sun till 3:00 pm, waiting for the conduct of the shadow poll.
“At another instance, regrettably enough, the election officers that were to conduct the exercise in the wards are known supporters of one of the aspirants. These people were kept in one hotel where they were to perpetrate all sorts of evil, to compromise the process of choosing the candidate of our party.
“In a return to the dark days of thuggery in Ondo State, our supporters, and supporters of other aspirants, were beaten, intimidated and chased away from most of the designated voting centres by known political thugs and secret cult members hired by one of the aspirants. This level of violence has turned hospitals to the abode of our supporters and other members of our party.
“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.
“We expected that a decent nomination exercise, characterised by peace, freedom of our members to make their choices and fairness, would be conducted. We waited patiently for it, however, what we got was heart-rendering.”
But Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, participated in the primary held at Ugbo ward 4, Obenla, Ilaje local government on Saturday.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who spoke after being counted, expressed confidence in the democratic process and reiterated his commitment to upholding the principles of transparency and fairness in the party’s selection of candidate.
He urged all stakeholders to embrace unity and cohesion, emphasizing the need for collective efforts towards advancing the development agenda of Ondo State.
The Governor said: “This marks a special homecoming for me, as I express my heartfelt gratitude to my fellow constituents, esteemed party members, and the vibrant community of Ugbo Ward 4 in Ilaje Local Government. Today, in the very land of my birth, I stand to exercise my right to vote and to vie for the honor of representing our party as its gubernatorial flag bearer in the November gubernatorial election”
“The tremendous turnout we witness here today is no surprise to me, for this is where my journey began. It is here, amidst the familiar streets and faces, where I took my first steps and received my primary education. The joy of reconnecting with my roots is further heightened by the presence of two of my childhood classmates, a delightful reunion that fills me with immense happiness.
“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.
Credit- nation
