…Warns against violence, as election committee promises credible, transparent exercise
By Tolulope Eniola
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Friday called for discipline, restraint and strict adherence to peaceful conduct among aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the party’s National Assembly primary elections in the state.
The governor made the appeal during a stakeholders’ meeting with members of the APC National Assembly Election Committee held at the party secretariat in Akure.
The House of Representatives primaries would hold on Saturday, while the Senate primary election is scheduled for Monday, May 18.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged aspirants, party leaders and supporters to shun violence, rancour and any actions capable of undermining the credibility of the exercise, stressing that Ondo State had earned a reputation for peaceful electoral processes which must be sustained.
“There should be no rancour. There should be no fight. This is our party affair. Everyone should cooperate with one another,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s non-interference stance in the conduct of the primaries, adding that robust security arrangements had been deployed across all wards to ensure orderliness and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
He stressed that the exercise was strictly an internal party process and would not disrupt general movement or economic activities across the state.
“This is purely party affairs. It has nothing to do with public election involving members of the public,” he stated.
Governor Aiyedatiwa further directed that all eligible party members should report to their respective ward centres by 8am with valid APC membership cards, noting that Permanent Voter Cards would not be required.
He explained that the direct primary system adopted was not new to the state, recalling its use during the last APC governorship primary in Ondo State.
Earlier, the Chairman of the National Assembly Election Committee, Hon. Iboroma Harry Dabibi, assured stakeholders of a transparent, credible and orderly process in line with the APC constitution, Electoral Act and established party guidelines.
Dabibi explained that the party had approved either consensus or direct primary options, with stakeholders in Ondo State opting for the direct primary method.
He stated that duly accredited and financially up-to-date party members would participate by queuing behind the posters of their preferred aspirants across the 203 wards in the state.
“All financially up-to-date party members will queue behind the poster of their preferred candidate across the 203 wards of the state,” he said.
He added that voting would commence at 8am, while collation would take place at designated centres across the nine federal constituencies before the final announcement of results.
Dabibi warned against any attempt to disrupt the process, stressing that the committee would not tolerate misconduct in any form.
He also urged aspirants to accept the outcome of the primaries in good faith, noting that only one candidate would emerge per position.
In his remarks, the Ondo State APC Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole, said the party had concluded all logistic and security preparations necessary for the smooth conduct of the primaries.
He noted that the party, in collaboration with security agencies, is fully prepared to ensure a seamless and peaceful exercise across all wards.
Kolawole added that the party leadership remains committed to internal cohesion, discipline and unity throughout the process.
Meanwhile, the composition of the election management structures was also formally disclosed.
The National Assembly Primary Election Committee is chaired by Hon. Iboroma Harry Dabibi. Other members of the committee include Hon. Chief Tony Daniel Utazi, Hon. Ugboaga Collins Ugochukwu (JP), Hon. Barr. Chiedu Elemunoh, Sola Ojewusi, Jessy Jangnap, while Adamu Moh. Shamaki serves as Secretary.
Similarly, the National Assembly Primary Election Appeal Committee is chaired by Barr. Smart Iheazor. Other members include Comr. Sunday Opeyemi Aremu, Hon. Aminu Bala Wudilawa and Ayuba Samaila, while Adebola Ilesanmi serves as Secretary.
In attendance were the Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, party leaders and other stakeholders.
Discover more from Trace News Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
