By Ayodele Oni
As the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State commences its primary election on Friday, the state government has called on party members to conduct themselves peacefully during the upcoming party primaries.
The exercise is expected to last for three days.
This is just as the Ondo State Police Command commenced a statewide show-of-force operation ahead of the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections following growing concerns over possible violence and alleged influx of political thugs into parts of the state.
The police action comes amid rising tension in several communities, including Owo, Idanre, Akure, Irele and Okitipupa, where residents had earlier raised fears over security threats linked to the APC primaries scheduled to begin on Friday.
Leading the security operation on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Adebowale Lawal, visited Idanre and Owo Local Government Areas alongside senior police officers, tactical commanders and other security personnel.
According to the command, the exercise involved the deployment of conventional police operatives, tactical squads, Police Mobile Force personnel, intelligence units and other operational assets aimed at preventing breakdown of law and order before, during and after the political activities.
The development is believed to be a direct response to mounting fears among residents following violence that reportedly marred the APC congresses in the state.
The primary is expected to select candidates for the House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and Senate.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by. Idowu Ajanaku, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, the government emphasised the importance of the exercise as a vital democratic process for the ruling party.
“We urge all aspirants, party leaders, and supporters to ensure the exercise remains hitch-free, transparent, and devoid of violence or rancour before, during, and after the polls,” the statement said.
The government reiterated that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is committed to maintaining orderliness throughout the exercise, in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Ondo State must continue to remain a model of political maturity and democratic excellence through the conduct of party members,” the statement stressed.
The statement added that the Ondo State Government has officially adopted direct primaries, aligning with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, which stated that “direct primaries should be adopted in situations where there is no agreed consensus candidate.”
The statement confirmed the state chapter’s commitment to abiding by the guidelines and internal democratic principles set by the national leadership of the APC in Abuja.
Describing the primary as a significant boost for the party’s preparations towards future electoral victories, the government highlighted the importance of unity and discipline among party members.
“Unity, discipline, and peaceful coexistence among party members will further strengthen the APC as one political family working towards a common goal.
“We urge all stakeholders to place the interest of the party and the state above personal ambition.”
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