Ondo guber: Aggrieved APC aspirants opt for court as Ganduje’s peace deal flops

Aspiring candidates from the aggrieved faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who competed for the party’s nomination in the upcoming Ondo State gubernatorial election have decided to pursue legal action. They are contemplating suing the committee led by Governor Usman Ododo, which oversaw the recent primary election, alleging that the entire process was fraudulent.

The primary election, held on April 20, saw incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa declared as the winner amid controversies and accusations of irregularities from several aspirants. Some claim that the election deviated from the party’s procedures, while others argue that no election took place at all.

During the primary, Mr. Gbenga Edema, one of the aspirants, raised concerns about the conduct of the process, stating that the electoral materials were delayed and the election concluded prematurely.

Following Aiyedatiwa’s victory, six aspirants, including Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and others, filed petitions challenging the outcome, insisting on the nullification of the election due to alleged irregularities and questioning Ododo’s suitability to lead the committee.

Efforts were made by the APC’s national leadership, represented by Abdullahi Ganduje and the National Working Committee, to reconcile the disputes between Governor Aiyedatiwa and the aggrieved aspirants. However, these attempts failed, leading to a deadlock.

Despite appeals to withdraw their petitions, the aspirants remained steadfast, emphasizing that no legitimate primary election occurred and expressing their intention to pursue legal recourse. They assert that the election was pre-determined, casting doubts on its legitimacy and vowing to oppose Aiyedatiwa in the November election if their concerns are not addressed.

One of the aggrieved aspirants, Hon. Olugbenga Edema, reiterated the illegitimacy of Aiyedatiwa’s victory and criticized the party’s dismissal of their complaints. He emphasized the need for internal conflict resolution mechanisms but indicated their readiness to resort to legal action if necessary.

Meanwhile, members of the Ondo APC youth group protested at the party’s national headquarters, demanding the annulment of the election results. Governor Aiyedatiwa, however, maintains that the process was fair and denies allegations of certificate forgery leveled against him.