Just three days before the scheduled governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, several aspirants have raised concerns regarding the process being employed by the party’s leadership.
In a joint letter addressed to the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Umar Ganduje, seven aspirants including Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Chief Olusola Oke, SAN, Wale Akinterinwa, Prince Diran Iyantan, Prof Dayo Faduyile, Mr. Gbenga Edema, and Mr. Jimi Odimayo highlighted discrepancies they observed in the process.
Among the issues raised in the letter, the aspirants pointed out the inability of their supporters to revalidate their membership cards before the committee from the national secretariat in Abuja.
They also emphasized the necessity for the party to utilize the revalidated membership register for the upcoming primary election.
Addressing the party leadership, the aspirants expressed concerns that unresolved issues might impede the smooth conduct of the primary, potentially impacting its credibility and acceptance.
One critical issue raised was the revalidation of the membership register designated for the primary election.
The aspirants commended the party’s decision to revalidate the existing membership register, which is certified by INEC. They also mentioned collectively contributing over N300m to cover the annual dues for all party members listed on the register.
Highlighting alleged reports of fake slips being circulated for use by non-party members, the aspirants underscored the importance of accreditation of party members at the election venue to ensure a fair process.
The group recommended making the accreditation of party members mandatory at the venue, allowing only those whose names are on the certified membership register to vote upon presenting their membership slip for accreditation.
They urged the party leadership to provide the lawfully certified membership register by INEC for the primary election and refrain from using any other register for the process.
Additional aspirants vying for the party’s ticket include Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Mr. Mayowa Akinfolarin, Mr. Isaacs Kekemeke, Brig-Gen. Olamide Ohunyeye (retd), Ife Oyedele, Mr. Soji Ehinlawo, Mrs. Funmilayo Waheed-Adekojo, Mr. Morayo Lebi, and Mrs. Funke Omogoroye.