Tension is rising within the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress ahead of Friday’s National and State Assembly primaries, as some aspirants have raised concerns over an alleged plot to disrupt the exercise with violence.
The aggrieved aspirants, drawn from the 203 wards across the state, accused the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of allegedly backing selected candidates ahead of the primaries without wider consultations within the party.
Speaking in Akure on behalf of the affected aspirants, House of Representatives hopeful, Jimi Adekanle, claimed there were plans to intimidate and attack aspirants perceived not to be on the governor’s preferred list.
According to him, information available to the group indicated that some individuals allegedly planned to use thugs to disrupt voting centres and prevent rival aspirants and their supporters from participating freely in the exercise.
Adekanle further alleged that the planned attacks were expected to be carried out under the cover of security presence, warning that such actions could threaten democracy, create unrest within the party, and undermine confidence in the credibility of the 2027 elections.
The aspirants therefore called on the national leadership of the APC and security agencies to urgently intervene and ensure that the primaries are conducted peacefully, transparently, and without intimidation.
Reacting to the allegations, Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, dismissed the claims as false and unfounded.
He maintained that Governor Aiyedatiwa remains committed to a free, fair, and violence-free primary election process, stressing that the governor has consistently worked towards maintaining peace and unity within the party.
Ajanaku also urged party members, supporters, and aspirants to conduct themselves peacefully before, during, and after the primaries, in line with democratic principles and the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
