By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
One of the aspirants in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ondo Central Senatorial primary election, Olumuyiwa Adu, has warned that what he described as the “one-sided disposition” of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa could negatively affect the fortunes of the party in Ondo State ahead of future elections.
Adu made the remark while reacting to the controversy and violence that reportedly marred the APC senatorial primary election in parts of the state on Monday.
The legal practitioner alleged that the conduct of the primary election was characterised by intimidation, political suppression and the alleged imposition of preferred candidates, warning that such actions could create deep resentment among party members and supporters.
According to him, many loyal APC members were becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the internal handling of party affairs in the state.
“There is no peace in the state. There is no love in the state,” Adu said while addressing journalists in Akure.
He alleged that armed thugs disrupted the electoral process in some areas and prevented supporters of certain aspirants from participating freely in the primary election.
He noted that the atmosphere surrounding the primary election made it impossible for delegates and party members to exercise their rights freely.
“The supporters of other contestants must not be seen around the polling areas. So for me to say there was a primary election, no, there was no primary election,” he declared.
Adu warned that the alleged endorsement and imposition of candidates perceived to enjoy the backing of the state government could weaken the APC’s electoral strength.
“The truth about it is that those elected by force cannot win elections for APC in Ondo State. We are saying it clearly. It is not possible because we have stronger candidates in other political parties,” he stated.
The aspirant maintained that although many aggrieved party members were angry over the conduct of the primaries, he and his supporters would not resort to violence or retaliation.
“I have good intentions for my people. What does it profit me if I want to work for them and improve their lives, only to engage in armed confrontation with people brandishing guns under the instruction, according to them, of the governor?” he queried.
The aspirant revealed that despite his military background and capacity to mobilise supporters, he deliberately chose restraint in order to avoid bloodshed and escalation of violence.
“I have been in the military. We know the boys and we have the resources to bring them out. But what will it profit me if at the end of the day lives are lost?.
“He is not having the monopoly of violence, but as a mature person who understands leadership and management, I decided not to become a leader whose actions would lead to fragmentation and crisis.
“For the sake of peace and stability, we will not retaliate and we will not confront the governor,” he said.
Adu, however, insisted that the growing tension within the APC should not be ignored, warning that continued internal division could ultimately work against the ruling party in the state.
“The whole state is fragmented and there is no unity. That kind of situation may bring ill luck to the APC in Ondo State if urgent steps are not taken to address the grievances of party members,” he warned.
He called on the national leadership of the APC to closely examine developments in Ondo State and ensure fairness in the conduct of the party’s internal electoral processes.
