Democracy Was Murdered” — APC Aspirants Erupt Over Controversial Primaries

Some aspirants in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election for Ondo Central have expressed fears that imposing an unpopular candidate on the party could jeopardise its chances in the 2027 general election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

One of the aspirants, Olumuyiwa Adu, speaking with journalists in Akure on Monday, condemned what he described as intimidation by suspected political thugs during the exercise.

According to Adu, armed youths allegedly harassed voters and insisted that only a preferred aspirant should be supported during the primary.

He warned that forcing candidates on party members against their will could have serious political consequences for the APC in Ondo State.

“The move is an attempt to prevent the free and fair conduct of the primaries. Imposing candidates on party members against their wishes could have grave political consequences for the party in the state,” he said.

“The truth is that those imposed by force cannot win an election for the APC in Ondo State. It is not possible.

“We saw some young men carrying guns and threatening people, insisting that out of the three of us contesting, there was only one person voters must support.

“Despite the tension during the primary, I deliberately restrained my supporters from engaging in violence.”

Also reacting, the senator representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, described the APC primary as a “complete charade.”

Adegbonmire, who was seeking reelection, alleged widespread intimidation, violence, and disruption of voting activities in several wards across the district.

Calling on the national leadership of the party to intervene, he questioned the credibility of the exercise and claimed that many voters were deliberately prevented from participating.

“I was at my ward in Akure South Local Government Area. Armed thugs disrupted voting when it became obvious that I was leading,” he alleged.

“It’s a charade. It is a complete charade. I have instructed my supporters not to attack anyone or engage in violence, but to document incidents happening across the senatorial district.

“I think the national leadership must step in. The same thing happened during the House of Representatives primaries last week, where voters were intimidated.

“Now we are witnessing similar incidents in the Senate primaries. Clearly, there is a pattern and something must be done about it.”

However, another aspirant in the district, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, described the exercise in Ward 7, Ijomu, Akure, as peaceful and orderly.

He praised the turnout of supporters and expressed confidence in the process.

“The turnout has been impressive and largely peaceful. The people know what they want, and the exercise was seamless,” he said.

“I want to appreciate our supporters for coming out in large numbers to participate, and I believe the process will continue smoothly.”