Ondo APC Primary: Aspirants Protest Non-Distribution Of Election Materials

Some governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have begun a protest in Akure, the state capital, over the non-distribution of the election materials in today’s primary.

The aspirants’ agents had stormed the Bon Hotel, the venue of the distribution of the election materials, and waited for over three hours.

Secretary of the Primary Election Committee, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, had told stakeholders that election materials and result sheets would be distributed by 7 am.

But the protesting aspirants said they arrived at the Bon Hotel as early as 6:30 am and didn’t witness the distribution of materials.

One of the aspirants, Dr. Olugbenga Edema, called for the postponement of the primary if the process was not credible.

According to him: “At the stakeholders meeting, Omo-Agege informed us that the distribution of materials will commence at 10 am. We have been here since 6:30 am and waited alongside electoral officers on the list but nothing was distributed.

“No voting materials were issued. At 9:30 am, the Governor of Kogi State and Chairman of the Committee, Usman Ododo, came out to tell us that materials had been distributed since 7 am. He told us materials have been distributed but we didn’t see where materials were distributed.

“There should be a credible election that will let the votes count. If they are not ready, let them postpone the election.”

Another aspirant, Wale Akinterinwa through his agent, Barr. Shola Ajishafe, said no materials were distributed especially to his ward.

“What we see playing out is an arrangement to shortchange the people. There is nothing to cancel. Ododo has failed us. They should postpone the primary. We do not have confidence in Ododo. If the leaders fail to do the needful, there is a way we will react and we will react accordingly. You can only announce a result of an election that was conducted.”

Chief Olusola Oke, who was represented by Ogunleye Rotimi, said no material was sent to his area.

“Due process should be followed based on the guidelines. Everybody matters in this party. It will be too bad for few people to write results.”