By; OLADELE ADEDAYO, Ado-Ekiti
Seven governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Thursday embarked on a protest at the party’s secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital and boycotted the election, citing alleged compromise, manipulation and fraud.
They however called on the leadership of the party to mandate the election committee under the leadership of Jigawa State Governor, Abubakar Badaru to suspend the process in the interest of the party, saying “we will destroy APC in Ekiti State”.
The aggrieved aspirants are Opeyemi Bamidele, Dayo Adeyeye, Femi Bamisile, Kayode Ojo, Bamidele Faparusi, Olusola Afolabi and Demola Popoola.
They told journalists that the primary election committee has allegedly compromised the process by handing over result sheets to loyalists of Govenor Kayode Fayemi to the advantage of one of the aspirants, Biodun Oyebanji across the 16 council areas in the State.
Meanwhile,the perceived anointed governorship aspirant Hon. Biodun Oyebanji, has declared that the APC appeal panel will handle all controversial issues surrounding the conduct of the election.
Oyebanji,who was the immediate former Secretary to the State Government, described the primary as credible, free and fair, contrary to position maintained by his co-contestants, who branded the poll as a sham.
Speaking with journalists in his Ikogosi, Ekiti West Local Government’s countryhome, where he voted on Thursday’s primary commended the Governor Mohammed Abubakar Badaru-led panel for being thorough in the contest of the shadow poll.
“The guidelines of our party gives room for the constitution of appeal committee to attend to whatever grievances anyone has. They have the right to their opinions, but the party will come up with its position on whatever they say”.
Refuting the allegation of fraud and manipulation: “We thank God for the role of technology in our politics. The reports I got was that things are going on well. I have seen people queuing for accreditation and voted.
“In fact, the process has gone on seamlessly and peacefully and the committee should be commended”.
Speaking about his expectation in the contest,Oyebanji added: “I know that God will give me victory, because the process has been free and fair and I have done what was expected of me by campaigning to our people”.
