Controversy has continued to trail the conduct of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) primary election in Ogun State, as an aspirant for Yewa South/Ipokia federal constituency, Kayode Idowu, has petitioned the national secretariat of the party over alleged imposition of a candidate.
He said no election was held at the constituency, contrary to a report being circulated.
Idowu said what happened last Friday was a selection, not an election.
The House of Representatives aspirant alleged that delegates were deprived of the opportunity to make their choice, in line with the Electoral Act.
He added that aspirants were denied access to delegates’ lists, saying: “This development contravenes the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act as amended.”
Idowu urged the national leadership of the party to ensure credible conduct of fresh primaries in the zone.
He said fake results were allocated to the aspirants without conduct of the primaries.
Idowu said: “Under APC’s constitution, the list of delegates is supposed to be known to the aspirants seven days before the primaries, contrary to what transpired in Ogun State.
“Election is a process. The process is supposed to start with ward congress to elect five ad-hoc delegates. There was no ward congress to determine the list of delegates to vote. They just handpicked their own preferred candidate. There was no election in Yewa South/Ipokia federal constituency.”
“APC in Ogun is behaving as if it is the only party in the state. As if other parties are not participating. We all know that one of the fundamental requirements by any party is to have a congress that is going to be free and fair.
“The congress will produce delegates that will elect candidates for offices. Ogun State never had that opportunity. APC is a ruling party in the state. If there is anything that has to be done, we should be laying a good example, a good leadership.
“There should be fresh primaries. The election should be conducted. I reject the declaration. There should be equity, fairness and nobody should be denied his right to contest.”