APC aspirant rejects Ondo Reps primary, demands fresh election

A House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Monday Akinyomi, has rejected the outcome of the party’s primary election for the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in Ondo State, alleging widespread irregularities and calling for a fresh exercise.

Speaking with journalists in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Akinyomi described the primary as flawed and lacking transparency, insisting that the process did not reflect the democratic principles of the party.

The aspirant alleged that the election was compromised by procedural violations, including the exclusion of legitimate delegates and the participation of unauthorized individuals. He further claimed that some delegates were denied access to the voting venue, while others faced intimidation during the exercise.

“What took place was not a credible primary election,” Akinyomi said. “Many genuine delegates who travelled from different parts of the constituency were allegedly prevented from participating, while people whose identities could not be verified were allowed to vote.”

He maintained that the outcome of the exercise did not reflect the will of party members in the constituency and urged the APC national leadership to intervene by cancelling the results and conducting a new primary election.

The Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency is regarded as one of the most politically significant constituencies in Ondo State due to its economic importance and strategic position within the state’s oil-producing region.

Akinyomi warned that unresolved grievances arising from the primary could affect party unity and electoral prospects ahead of the general election. According to him, adherence to due process and internal democracy remains crucial to maintaining confidence among party members and supporters.

The aspirant disclosed that his campaign team had compiled evidence to support its claims and had submitted a petition to the APC National Election Appeals Committee for review.

“We remain loyal members of the APC and are committed to the party’s success,” he said. “However, justice and fairness must prevail. We are asking the party leadership to investigate the conduct of the primary and ensure that the wishes of genuine delegates are respected.”

He added that his supporters would continue to pursue all available channels within the party to seek redress, while reserving the right to explore legal options if necessary.

Meanwhile, the APC leadership in Ondo State has urged aggrieved aspirants and their supporters to remain calm and utilize the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms as efforts continue to address concerns arising from the primary elections.

The controversy surrounding the Ilaje/Ese-Odo primary adds to ongoing post-primary disputes in several constituencies across the country as political parties prepare for the next round of elections.