Tension grips the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State as the party braces for its upcoming primary elections amid reports of missing names in the revalidated membership register.
The crisis, stemming from the absence of several members’ names in the register, has thrown the party into disarray, particularly in Ese-Odo, Odigbo, and Okitipupa local government areas.
In a significant development, some Wards Electoral and Returning officers have discovered their names missing from the membership register, fueling suspicions of foul play. A Returning Officer from Akure Ward lamented the situation, alleging deliberate manipulation to favor certain aspirants.
Addressing concerned stakeholders in Akure, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Secretary of the Primary Election Committee, sought to allay fears by asserting the committee’s impartial stance. Emphasising the committee’s commitment to a credible primary process, Omo-Agege assured aspirants of fairness and transparency.
The primary, slated to commence with the accreditation of 172,025 revalidated members, followed by voting via the option A4 method, aims to select the party’s gubernatorial candidate for the forthcoming November elections.
Highlighting the familial nature of the contest, Omo-Agege urged aspirants to embrace the outcome and unite for the party’s success in the general elections. He underscored the party’s determination to maintain its stronghold in the state, stressing the importance of cooperation among members.
Responding to concerns regarding discrepancies in the membership register, Omo-Agege clarified that the revalidation exercise aimed to update the party’s records and ensure the eligibility of financial members to vote. He reiterated the committee’s commitment to transparency and the integrity of the electoral process.
As tensions run high and anticipation builds ahead of the primary elections, the APC in Ondo State grapples with challenges that underscore the importance of a fair and inclusive electoral process.
