Governor Usman Ododo, the Chairman of the Ondo All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Primary Election Committee, has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the recent governorship primaries in Ondo State. He lauded the transparency of the process and commended the stakeholders and party members for their orderly participation and significant turnout.
Overview of the Primary Election Conduct
During a briefing where he received detailed reports from committee members, security agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that monitored the election, Governor Ododo shared positive feedback about the event’s management. “The feedback from our extensive monitoring, including video footage, has confirmed the transparency of the election process. We are confident that the outcome will produce a unifying candidate for the APC in the upcoming November 2024 governorship election,” said Ododo, as quoted by his media aide, Ismaila Isah.
Addressing Concerns Over Election Materials
Despite some aspirants voicing concerns over the late arrival of election materials in certain areas, Governor Ododo reassured stakeholders that these delays did not compromise the election’s overall integrity. He clarified that the issues observed with the revalidated membership list also did not significantly impact the election outcome. Ododo emphasized that the committee had adhered strictly to the APC guidelines and the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, ensuring a fair and equitable process for all candidates.
Call for Unity Among Contestants
In his remarks, Governor Ododo also appealed to all aspirants and their supporters to view the primary as a friendly contest within the APC family. He encouraged everyone to focus on the larger goal of enhancing the party’s standing and ensuring its success in the forthcoming governorship election. “This primary election is not just about selecting a candidate but about strengthening our party’s unity and commitment to serve the people of Ondo State effectively,” Ododo stated.
Stakeholder and Community Involvement
The primary election saw significant involvement from various stakeholders across the 18 local government areas of the state. The massive turnout and disciplined queueing reported at polling stations underscored the community’s keen interest in the democratic process and their desire to contribute to a transparent selection of their party’s candidate.
Looking Forward
As the APC moves towards the November 2024 governorship election in Ondo State, the focus will now shift to consolidating party unity and strategizing for a successful electoral campaign. The outcomes of this primary election are expected to play a crucial role in defining the party’s prospects and its approach to addressing the challenges facing the state.
Governor Ododo’s leadership in managing the primary election process has been pivotal in maintaining order and transparency, setting a positive precedent for future political engagements in the region. His call for unity and collaboration among party members highlights the importance of collective effort in achieving political goals and serving the community effectively.
