Fidelis David in Akure
A group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Ondo Peoples Assembly (OPA) yesterday condemned the alleged continued attempts by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and Olusola Oke (SAN) to undermine the democratic process and instigate crisis following the recently concluded APC gubernatorial primary in the state.
THISDAY reported that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was declared winner of the April 20 APC primary in the state after polling 48, 569 votes to defeat Jimoh Ibrahim, Olusola Oke and 13 other aspirants in the contest.
Since the announcement, some aggrieved aspirants including Ibrahim and Oke have continuously called for the cancellation of the exercise over alleged irregularities.
However, Olufemi Lawson, the convener of Ondo Peoples Assembly (OPA) while speaking at a press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre in Akure the state capital, said the group is deeply displeased by the relentless efforts to discredit Governor Aiyedatiwa and the process, which has been adjudged by the APC and observers of the process, as free, fair and credible.
“It is with deep dismay that we address the sustained attacks on the personality of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and some supporters of Chief Olusola Oke, who were among the losers of the primary.
“It is indisputable, that Governor Aiyedatiwa emerged as the winner of the primary through a transparent and democratic process. It is therefore unacceptable that individuals would seek to undermine the will of the people and disrupt the peace and stability of our state.
“We commend the other aspirants who participated in the contest for their sportsmanship and for conceding victory to Governor Aiyedatiwa. Their exemplary behaviour is a testament to their commitment to the democratic ideals that we hold dear.
“We hereby call upon the leadership of the APC to take immediate and decisive action against Senator Jimoh Ibrahim for continuously publicly attacking the party, disrespecting the office of the governor of Ondo State, and undermining a democratic process conducted by the party. His actions are not only detrimental to the party but also to the entire state.”
They alleged that Ibrahim is working with some desperate politicians in the opposition political party to distract the APC’s preparations for the Ondo State November 2024 governorship election, mirroring a role he previously played in 2016 while he was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“We reaffirm that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remains the incontrovertible choice and candidate of the people for the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State. We urge all well-meaning citizens to rally behind him as we strive to move our dear state forward.”
