Due to claims of irregularities and foul play by certain candidates and party members, there are increasing calls for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Ondo State to be called off.
The electoral commission headed by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has been accused of bias and unjust behaviour.
The committee was tasked with monitoring the Ondo State primary election process.
According to reports, some APC members have accused the committee of partiality in the discharge of its duties.
The main complaint was about the distribution of election materials. There are claims that materials were not evenly allocated to all senatorial districts in the state where the primary election is taking place.
Some members have even alleged that certain districts have not received any materials at all.
One of the aspirants, Gbenga Oedema, voiced his concerns, stating that no election materials were observed being distributed in his ward, Mahin Ward 2 in Ilaje Local Government Area.
He called for a credible election process and urged party leadership to address the issue or consider postponing the election until necessary arrangements are made.
He said, “I have been here since 6.30 am, and I didn’t see any material taken out of this place. The returning officers and electoral officers of my ward, Mahin Ward 2 in Ilaje Local Government are here and unable to collect any materials.
“What we are asking for is a credible election. So, we are asking the leadership of the party to look into this. If they’re not ready for this election, they should postpone it and the right thing should be done.”
In response to the allegations, Governor Ododo dismissed the claims of irregularities, stating that election materials had been dispatched to Ondo South and Ondo North Senatorial Districts, except for Ondo Central.
Sixteen candidates are competing to fly the party’s flag in the upcoming November 16 gubernatorial election.
Among the contenders are incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim representing Ondo South, legal luminary Olusola Oke, former President of the Nigerian Medical Association Prof. Francis Faduyile, Dr. Funmi Waheed-Adekojo, and APC National Vice Chairman (South-West) Isaacs Kekemeke, among others.
