Fallout Of Ondo APC Gov Primary Election: Group Wants Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Suspended, Accused Of Working Against Party’s Interest

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo Peoples Assembly (OPA) has accused Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, and some supporters of Olusola Oke of undermining the will of the people and disrupt the peace and stability of Ondo state by their decisions to protest against the outcome of the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Both Ibrahim and Oke contested in the primary and lost to incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The results of the election, declared by Kogi state Governor Usman Ododo indicated that  Aiyedatiwa polled 48,567 votes, defeating the other 15 aspirants with his closet Mayowa Akinfolarin that scored over 15,000 votes to place second.

Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator representing Ondo south at the red chamber is already in court to challenge the declaration of Aiyedatiwa as winner of the election.

OPA said in Akure on Friday that it condemned the continued attempts to undermine the democratic process and instigate crisis following the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary.

Its convener, Olufemi Lawson and the publicity Secretary, Kikelomo Isijola stated that “It is with deep dismay that we address the sustained attacks on the personality of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and some supporters of Chief Olusola Oke, who were among the losers of the primary

“The people of Ondo State are deeply displeased by the relentless efforts to discredit Governor Aiyedatiwa and the process, which has been adjudged by the APC and observers of the process, as free, fair and credible.

” It is indisputable, that Governor Aiyedatiwa emerged as the winner of the primary through a transparent and democratic process. It is therefore unacceptable that individuals would seek to undermine the will of the people and disrupt the peace and stability of our state.

“We commend the other aspirants who participated in the contest for their sportsmanship and for conceding victory to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

“Their exemplary behaviour is a testament to their commitment to the democratic ideals that we hold dear.

“We hereby call upon the leadership of the APC to take immediate and decisive action against Senator Jimoh Ibrahim for continuously publicly attacking the party, disrespecting the office of the governor of Ondo State, and undermining a democratic process conducted by the party.

“His actions are not only detrimental to the party but also to the entire state.

“It is evident that Senator Ibrahim is working with some desperate politicians in the opposition political party to distract the APC’s preparations for the Ondo State November 2024 governorship election, mirroring a role he previously played in 2016 while he was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“We reaffirm that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remains the incontrovertible choice and candidate of the people for the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State. We urge all well-meaning citizens to rally behind him as we strive to move our dear state forward”