The aftermath of the recently held All Progressives Congress governorship primary election in Ondo State has continued to stir controversy, with The Movement of Truth demanding its outright annulment.
The group, led by Dr. Benson Enikuomehin, during a news briefing at his law office in Lagos State, urged President Bola Tinubu to order a fresh election.
Enikuomehin emphasized the absence of a genuine APC primary election under Governor Usman Ododo’s leadership, suggesting that only a transparent re-election, directed by the party’s leader, can salvage the situation.
He expressed skepticism about President Tinubu’s involvement, attributing the debacle solely to Governor Ododo and the election committee.
Enikuomehin criticized the makeup election scheduled for Okitipupa Local Government Area as a desperate attempt to salvage the committee’s credibility.
He highlighted the absence of election materials and party membership registers, asserting that the committee’s lack of preparation was evident from the outset.
Enikuomehin challenged Governor Ododo to provide evidence of the alleged election, particularly in Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s Ward, where no voting reportedly took place.
He also pointed out discrepancies in the committee’s promises regarding the distribution of election materials, citing a failed meeting at a hotel in Ijapo area.
According him, “When questioned about the distribution of materials, Governor Usman Ododo claimed they were dispatched at 6:30 am on election day, but couldn’t identify the responsible party when pressed.
Regarding a potential appeal to the committee, Ododo mentioned its existence only on paper, noting that four petitions from gubernatorial aspirants had been forwarded to it. He pondered the potential verdict of the Appeal committee, especially given the commendation he received from APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.
Barr Enikuomehin lamented the ruling APC’s failure to meet even the standards of a flawed primary election held by the PDP in Edo state. He warned of consequences for denying the people of Ondo South their rightful representation while pledging to remain within the party to combat injustice.
Another group member, Barr Kayode Mogbojuri, criticized APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje for lacking the moral authority to oversee the primary election, citing his suspension as a hindrance to performing official duties. Mogbojuri accused Ganduje of working against the party’s interests and warned of efforts to destabilize the party in the Southwest.
Mogbojuri urged the President to protect the party’s reputation in Ondo State, suggesting that Ododo’s actions had tarnished its image. Meanwhile, incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was declared the winner of the APC primary election with 48,569 votes, followed by Mayowa Akinfolarin with 15,343 votes, and Chief Olushola Oke with 14,865 votes.
