Ondo, April 13, 2024 – The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State is embroiled in a bitter internal crisis as a group known as the Ondo Vanguards for Good Governance (OVGG) has accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s camp of producing fake party membership registers and cards in an attempt to sway the upcoming governorship primary in his favor.
Allegations of Vote Rigging
In a scathing statement released on Saturday, OVGG coordinator Tade Ojo alleged that Governor Aiyedatiwa and his supporters are engaging in electoral manipulation, including recruiting thugs to intimidate opponents, and fabricating party membership documents to bolster their numbers.
The governor’s desperation to win the primary has led him to engage in disruptive and illegal acts,” Ojo declared. We urge the state and national leadership of the APC to intervene immediately and prevent these actions from undermining the integrity of the primary process.
Counterclaims and Denials
Reacting swiftly to the allegations, the Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation spokesperson, Kayode Fasua, vehemently denied any wrongdoing. He accused the OVGG of being a faceless entity driven by envy and fear of the governor’s popularity.
“The allegations are malicious and baseless,” Fasua stated. “The primary election is a transparent process conducted by the party, not by the government. Governor Aiyedatiwa respects the internal electoral process and has no need to resort to such underhanded tactics.”
Electoral Integrity at Stake
The allegations have raised concerns about the integrity of the APC primaries and the potential for electoral fraud. Sources within the party have expressed fears that if these accusations are not thoroughly investigated and addressed, it could cast a shadow over the entire electoral process.
The APC must act swiftly to restore confidence in its internal electoral system,” said a party chieftain who spoke on condition of anonymity. These allegations have the potential to damage the credibility of the party and erode public trust in the democratic process.
Scrutiny of Aspirants
Meanwhile, on Friday, all aspirants for the APC governorship ticket in Ondo State underwent screening by a party screening committee in Abuja. The eight aspirants who participated in the screening exercise include the incumbent Governor Aiyedatiwa, Wale Akinterinwa, Mayowa Akinfolarin, Francis Faduyile, Isaacs Kekemeke, Olusola Oke, Gbenga Edema, and Jimoh Ibrahim.
The outcome of the screening has yet to be made public, but the APC has assured all aspirants of a fair and transparent primary process.
Implications for the Election
The allegations against Governor Aiyedatiwa’s camp could have significant implications for the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State. If proven true, these actions could lead to legal challenges, internal party disputes, and potential rejection of the election results by the opposition.
The APC leadership is under immense pressure to address the allegations and ensure that the primaries are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. The integrity of the party and the credibility of the electoral process hinge on the outcome of this internal crisis.
