APC Speaks On Fraud Allegation In Ekiti Primaries

Agency ReporterOctober 9, 2018

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The All Progressive Congress (APC), in Ekiti State has denied allegations of manipulation of its primaries, especially in the North senatorial district where many aspirants have protested the conduct of the primaries and alleged fraud.

Two senatorial aspirants, Dr Olusegun Osinkolu and Mr Kayode Otitoju; House of Representatives’ aspirants, Mr Bimbo Daramola, Mr George Fakiyesi, Bunmi Ogunleye and Olufemi Ajayi, had raised allegations that no election was held in Ikole, Ido/Osi and Oye council areas in Ekiti North when the poll was conducted last Friday.

But the APC in Ekiti State, through its publicity secretary, Mr. Ade Ajayi, said on Monday, that contrary to the contention of the aspirants, credible primaries were
held to select the House of Representatives and Senatorial candidates.

It alleged that those making the
allegations were the ones who allegedly deployed thugs to disrupt the polls but were repelled by security agencies.

The party said the direct primary
adopted by the party made it impossible for the committee to concoct figures as alleged, claiming that the election was conducted and that every member of the APC participated has ordered by the Adams Oshiomhole-led NWC.

He said: “We disagree that there were no elections in Oye and Ikole local governments. The elections did not only hold but were credible and devoid of rigging, manipulations, violence and intimidation.

“Those who alleged of rigging were the people that disrupted the elections at Ido/Osi, Oye, Ikole, Moba and Ilejemeje local governments. They brought thugs
to destroy the property of our party including the flag at the party secretariat, they equally carted away election materials. Similarly, some journalists were beaten and their phones destroyed.

“With the use of direct mode of election, nobody could concoct election results because it was what you see, witness and counted verbally that were recorded.

“These aggrieved aspirants knew that the APC was a party of integrity and discipline that didn’t tolerate impunity and injustice.

“They should stop misleading the public and embrace peace in resolving their grievances as regards the use of photocopies of result sheets to conduct elections, rather than resorting to cheap blackmail,” he stated.