In an announcement made on Thursday by the ruling All Progressives Congress, it was revealed that a total of 171,922 party members sourced from the 203 wards across Ondo State’s 18 local government areas will play a pivotal role in deciding the outcome of the governorship primary election scheduled for Saturday.
The disclosure was made by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Muhammad Argungu, at the inauguration of the Governorship Primary Election Committee and Primary Election Appeal Committee.
Sixteen aspirants will compete for the opportunity to secure the sole ticket as the APC’s governorship candidate in the state.
Among the contenders are the current Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo South district senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olusola Oke, former President of the Nigerian Medical Association Prof. Francis Faduyile, Dr. Funmi Waheed-Adekojo, and APC National Vice Chairman (South West) Isaac Kekemeke.
Others in the running include Dr. Soji Ehinlanwo, Akinfolarin Samuel, Okunjimi Odimayo, Adewale Akinterinwa, Olugbenga Edema, Gen. Ohunyeye Olamide, Morayo Lebi, Garvey Oladiran Iyanjan, and Ifeoluwa Oyedele.
Argungu also verified that the Independent National Electoral Commission has furnished a certified True Copy and the party’s membership registry, indicating the eligibility of only 171,922 members to participate in the process.
He mentioned, “INEC has provided us with a certified true copy indicating 173,181 membership, while our revalidation records decreased to 171,922, which will be reaffirmed in Ondo State. All aspirants are guaranteed a fair process ensuring equitable emergence of the All Progressives Congress candidate.”
“You (primary election committee) are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency our party is renowned for. I’m delighted to report that all 16 candidates have procured and returned the completed nomination forms as stipulated by articles 13, 18, and 27 of our party constitution.
“This was done to ensure thorough scrutiny of all aspirants before screening for the primary election. The screening committee has already vetted and approved all 16 aspirants, thus enabling their eligibility for the April 20 poll.”
During his address to the audience, the party’s National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje urged the primary election committee to approach their duty as if their lives depended on it.
Ganduje assured that all necessary security measures have been arranged for the event and that all pertinent documents will be provided to officials ahead of the poll, urging them not to fret.
He remarked, “Disputes are an inherent element in a democracy, and absolute peace is unattainable. But we trust in your capabilities.
“Your focus and organization are paramount in Ondo State. Our engagement with stakeholders and security agencies has been completed. Rest assured, you will be safeguarded.”