Last Minute Disqualifications, Intimidation, Falsification Mar APC Reps. Primary Election

By Ayodele Oni 

Last minute disqualification of aspirants and intimidation of those not favored by government trailed the conduct of the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) into the House of Representatives.

The primary election, which held in Saturday, was first in the series to pick candidates for next year’s general elections.

In Ondo state, document circulating on the verified X handle of the APC and titled “Screened and Disqualified House of Representatives Aspirants” revealed that no fewer than seven aspirants from Ondo State were listed as “Not Cleared” by the party’s national screening committee.

Among those affected is Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye of the Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency, whose exclusion from the qualified list has already stirred reactions among party supporters and political stakeholders.

Others declared “Not Cleared” include Olusegun Victor Ategbole and Seun Oluwashina Ajongbolo for Akoko South-East/South-West Federal Constituency; Rt. Hon. Arowole Ayodeji Samuel for Owo/Ose; as well as Morufu Tosin Ibrahim, Oseni Oyeniyi and Olaleye John Adedipe for Akoko North-East/North-West Federal Constituency.

Ondo State recorded the highest number of disqualified aspirants on the list released by the party, ahead of states such as Bauchi, Ebonyi, Kogi and Rivers.

The development has sparked concerns within the APC over possible fresh alignments, internal protests and legal challenges by aggrieved aspirants who may contest the outcome of the screening process.

Party sources disclosed that the screening exercise was aimed at ensuring strict compliance with constitutional provisions, administrative guidelines and party requirements before the conduct of the primaries.

However, the exclusion of prominent figures from the race is already generating anxiety in several federal constituencies, particularly in Owo/Ose and the Akoko axis where the affected aspirants reportedly command considerable political influence.

One aspirant, Barr. Wale Omoniyi Ayadi from Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency, Ondo State, in his protest letter stated that “Its important to mention that the narratives suggesting that a valid primary election was conducted across the wards of Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency for the purpose of selecting a candidate for the House of Representatives is a sham.

“We wish to state categorically and unequivocally that no primary election took place in any ward of Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency of Ondo State.

“Reports reaching us from party members, stakeholders, delegates, and ward leaders across the constituency clearly indicate that no electoral materials, no accreditation and accredited officials, no certified true copy of registered members of APC, and due electoral processes were totally absent.

“Party faithfuls waited endlessly without any conduct of election whatsoever.

This development raises serious concerns regarding transparency, fairness, inclusiveness, and compliance with the democratic principles and guidelines of our great party, the APC.

“As loyal party members and committed progressives, we strongly believe that the integrity of the primary process must not be compromised. The voices and participation of aspirants and party members across the wards must be respected and protected.”

In Ekiti state, government favoured aspirants from the six federal constituencies carried the day as other aspirants were intimidated by suspected thugs driving around in state vehicles.

It was gathered that the primary election did not hold at some wards and figures were recorded to be announced at the state.