Protest has greeted the ongoing primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure.
Some aspirants called for postponement of the primary following the hitches in the distribution of the election materials
Agents of the aspirants had stormed the Bon Hotel, venue of the distribution of the election materials and waited for over three hours.
However, while they waited for the materials, news filtered in that APC members in Akoko area and parts of Ondo South senatorial district have started voting has commenced.
Secretary of the Primary Election Committee, Senator Omo-Agege had told stakeholders that election materials and result sheets would be distributed by 7am.
The protesting aspirants said they arrived Bon Hotel as early as 6:30am and didn’t witness distribution of materials.
One of the aspirants, Dr. Olugbenga Edema, called for postponement of the primary if the processes were not credible.
He said: “At the stakeholders meeting, Omo-Agege informed us that distribution of materials will commence at 10am. We have been here since 6:30am and waited alongside electoral officers on the list but nothing was distributed.
“No voting materials were issued. At 9:30am, Governor of Kogi State and Chairman of the Committee, Usman Ododo, came out to tell us that materials have been distributed since 7am. He told us materials have been distributed but we didn’t see where materials were distributed.
“There should be a credible election that will let the votes count. If they are not ready let then postpone the election.”
Agent of Wale Akinterinwa, Barr. Shola Ajishafe, said no materials were distributed especially to his ward.
“What we see playing out is an arrangement to shortchange the people. There is nothing to cancel. Ododo has failed us. They should postpone the primary. We do not have confidence in Ododo. If the leaders failed to do the needful, there is a way we will react and we will react accordingly. You can only announce a result of an election that was conducted.
Chief Olusola Oke, who was represented by Ogunleye Rotimi, said “Due process should be followed based on the guidelines. Everybody matters in this party. It will be too bad for few people to write results.”
Governor Ododo told the protesters that materials have been distributed to Ondo North and South senatorial districts.
He said materials for Ondo Central was yet to be distributed as at 10:30am.
