Amid protests over alleged irregularities surrounding the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Ondo State, a coalition of civil society observer groups, has intensified calls for a complete cancellation and rerun of the election.
In a statement jointly signed by team leader, Comrade Eleojo Emem, and team secretary Oluwafemi Kayode, the observer groups who were tasked with monitoring pre-election activities issued a damning report highlighting significant flaws in the process.
They recommended a transparent, credible, and all-inclusive rerun to salvage the party’s integrity and ensure a fair selection of the gubernatorial candidate ahead of the November 16, 2024 election.
Key recommendations from the observer groups include advocating for a fresh primary election, stressing the need for transparency and inclusivity. They view alleged inconclusive declarations in certain areas as tactics to obscure deficiencies in the initial process.
Criticism is directed at the Kogi State Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ododo-led Ondo State Governorship Primary Election Committee for gross incompetence, bias, and favoritism, raising concerns about the party’s credibility in the Southwest region.
“The immediate dissolution of Alhaji Usman Ododo led Ondo state Governorship Primary Election Committee for their display of gross incompetence and inexperience in election activities, management, and conduct, and open show of bias and favoritism which is against the mandate of their assignment, thereby rubbishing the integrity of the party in the entire South West. Besides, appointing Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State who is still studying governance and party politics, for such a critical assignment in a state like Ondo is rather a slight on the people of Ondo State.
“Cease of Candidate’s Parade: Pending the rerun, there are calls for Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to halt his representation as the party’s candidate to maintain fairness until a credible candidate emerges from the rerun.
“The urgency is underscored by the looming November election date, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for prompt action to avert further division within the party and potential electoral setbacks.”
They urged the national leadership of the APC to prioritise restoring confidence in the electoral process by heeding their recommendations, adding that failure to address grievances and ensure a transparent rerun could jeopardise the party’s prospects in Ondo State and the broader South West region.
“The fate of the APC in Ondo State hangs in the balance as stakeholders await decisive action from party leadership to rectify primary election shortcomings and uphold democratic principles and fairness,” they said.
