…calls for fresh primary over irregularities, results manipulation
One of the aspirants in the just concluded All Progressives Congress, APC, senatorial primary for Ekiti North District, Otunba Oluwadare Owolabi has called for the cancellation of the exercise, citing violence, results manipulation, intimidation, and irregularities during the conduct of the election.
Addressing newsmen in Ado, Otunba Owolabi described the primary as deeply flawed and inconsistent with democratic standards.
He alleged that the exercise was marred by manipulation of results, intimidation of voters, cancellation of valid votes, and the recording of figures in locations where elections did not take place.
The aspirant claimed that in several wards across the district, supporters who openly queued to vote for him were dispersed once it became clear he was receiving significant support.
Otunba Owolabi said the actions prevented a fair assessment of delegates’ choices and undermined the credibility of the process.
The Senatorial aspirant also disputed the figures announced by the election committee, saying the Returning Officer, Asipa Wasiu Banjo, declared incumbent Senator Cyril Fasuyi the winner with 14,179 votes and Senator Ayo Arise second with 4,868 votes, the aspirant said his own tally stood at 4,341 votes instead of the 2,836 votes credited to him.
He urged the APC leadership at the state and national levels to investigate the conduct of the primary and nullify the results.
According to him, allowing the outcome to stand would weaken internal party democracy and affect the party’s cohesion ahead of the general election.
Otunba Owolabi said he would pursue all available internal mechanisms within the party to seek redress.
He appealed to his supporters to remain calm while the matter was being addressed, adding that the goal was to ensure that the process reflected the will of APC members in Ekiti North.
