Akoko S’East/West: Ondo APC youths reject bid to overturn primary result

By Dayo Johnson

The Akoko South-East/Akoko South-West Youth Vanguard in Ondo State has raised the alarm over alleged plans to undermine the outcome of the APC primary election that produced Victor Ategbole as winner.

In a statement signed by Odunayo Ariyo, the group appealed to President Bola Tinubu, APC chieftain Bisi Akande, and the party’s National Working Committee to intervene and ensure the democratic wishes of party members are respected.

Ariyo alleged coordinated attempts to impose automatic tickets and overturn the primary, which he said Ategbole won with 12,011 votes against 1,965 votes polled by incumbent lawmaker Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati. 

He said Ategbole participated in the screening exercise, was cleared to contest, and was never formally notified of any disqualification before or during the process.

“Any attempts to introduce claims of disqualification after the conduct of the election were inconsistent with constitutional provisions, party guidelines, and the principles of fair hearing,” the statement said.

The group cited Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 21.4 of the APC Constitution on fair hearing and the right to appeal.

It said the primary was peacefully conducted under the supervision of party officials, with Returning Officer Hon. Akin Aibinuommo declaring Ategbole winner.

“The result announced by the Returning Officer reflected the genuine wishes of delegates, party members, and stakeholders across the federal constituency, any move to reverse the outcome could deepen divisions within the party ahead of future electoral contests,” the statement said.

Describing the situation as a threat to internal democracy, the youths warned that reversing the outcome could deepen divisions in the party. 

They urged the APC leadership to resist external pressure and uphold the will of party members.

The disqualification of aspirants on the day of the primaries by the party has heightened political tension within the party in the state.

Party stakeholders have continued consultations over the legitimacy of the primary election and the eventual emergence of the party’s candidate for the federal constituency.

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