Ekiti 2022: Protest erupts as APC supporters fear manipulation

The primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the nomination of the party’s candidate for the June 28 governorship election in Ekiti State, was momentarily obstructed by protest of many party members. Protest erupted in the early hours of Thursday as delegates were gathering at the congress venue, as several party supporters expressed fear of manipulation of the primary election process by Governor Kayode Fayemi and his faction of the party in the state.

The protesters crowded the entrance to the state secretariat, agitating that the primary has been manipulated already to favour a particular candidate from the faction of the governor. The protesters alleged that illegal voting was going on outside the election venue before the commencement of the primary election.

The Ekiti State APC adopted direct primary to elect its candidate for the governorship election. thus, voting will take place in the 177 wards in the state.

One of the governorship aspirants, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi, had earlier made a case for the postponement of the primary election on similar allegation that it has been manipulated.

The aspirants for the APC governorship ticket include Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Biodun Oyebanji, former Secretary to Ekiti State Government; Femi Bamisile, Bamidele Faparusi, Dayo Adeyeye; Demola Popoola; Kayode Ojo and Toyin Afolabi.

Seven of the aspirants on Thursday announced their withdrawal from the primary election, agitating undue advantage to Governor Fayemi’s candidate.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was successfully conducted its primary election on Wednesday. The PDP adopted indirect primary election.