JUST IN: Protests rock Ekiti APC over alleged imposition of Reps candidate

Newsflash Nigeria StaffMay 29, 2022

2 minutes read

There is pandemonium on Sunday as Aramoko and Ijero communities in Ekiti State protest over the alleged imposition of the former Chief of Staff to Governor Kayode Fayemi, Biodun Omoleye as House of Representatives candidate.

Omoleye contesting for Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II in the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with the incumbent lawmaker, Bunmi Ogunlola and Dele Philips.

Some members of the party have begun a protest to resist the move of imposing Omoleye as the party’s House of Representatives candidate.

The aggrieved members blocked the roads to register their displeasure.

But the protesters want the ticket to be re-conducted after political thugs on Friday disrupted the APC primary election rather than imposing a candidate on them.

They accused the state governor, Kayode Fayemi and State Working Committee, led by Paul Omotoso to foist Mr Omoleye on them.

Newsflash Nigeria had earlier reported that political thugs on Friday had disrupted the All Progressives Party (APC) primary election for the House of Representatives at Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II.

Correspondents of the NEWSFLASH NIGERIA at the venue of the election reported that the thugs who were supporters of politicians clashed.

They used dangerous weapons including guns, cutlasses, knives and bottles, to fight and chase people away and destroyed the ballot box and papers.

Delegates, party faithful, electoral officers, and security personnel were whisked out of the election premises following the outbreak of the violence which marred the election process.

The contestants were incumbent lawmaker, Bunmi Ogunlola; former Chief of Staff to Governor Kayode Fayemi, Biodun Omoleye; and Dele Philips.

The presiding officer, Akin Alebiosu, was caught in the mayhem and had his head injured with stones and sticks.

Ms Ogunlola, while describing what happened, said a personal assistant to one of the contestants had intercepted the process during voting and destroyed the ballot box and papers, an action which sparked violent reactions.

“The exercise was inconclusive so it is normal we have to go all over again,” he said.

“My appeal to the party is that they should conduct primarily for the constituency because we have limited time.

“It should be conducted in no distant time because tomorrow will be for the Senate even tomorrow we can still do it. They want to take advantage of my gender.”