An aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives ticket in Ondo State has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security agencies, and the party’s national leadership to intervene and protect the integrity of the primary election in the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency.
Allegations of Irregularities
Hon. Simisola Fajemirokun-Ajayi, in a statement released on Sunday morning, asserted that verified polling unit reports compiled by her agents indicated she had secured a clear lead across the constituency. However, she alleged that the process was marred by intimidation, disruption, and irregularities in certain areas.
According to the verified results collated by party agents, Fajemirokun-Ajayi polled 4,247 votes, ahead of Matthew Oye Oyerinmade with 1,790 votes and Festus Adefiranye with 788 votes. The statement highlighted that she secured decisive victories in most wards in Odigbo Local Government Area, which is described as the largest voting bloc in the constituency, including Agbabu, Ago-Alaye, Ajue, Araromi Obu, Ebijaw, Koseru, Odigbo, Ore I, and Ore II.
Concerns Over Conduct
Despite her lead, the aspirant alleged disturbing incidents such as disruption of voting lines, absence of electoral officials, and attempts to compromise the results. She also expressed concern over the alleged conduct of certain aides and associates linked to the Ondo State Government, stating that their actions had “tarnished the image of the APC and risk damaging the credibility of future party elections if unchecked.”
“Democracy cannot survive where intimidation replaces fairness,” Fajemirokun-Ajayi said. She called on President Tinubu and the APC national leadership to protect party members, women, youths, and minority voices from what she described as “political bullying and suppression.”
“Women have a place in politics. Women have a place in leadership. And the voices of the people must not be silenced,” she added.
Response and Next Steps
Fajemirokun-Ajayi also thanked supporters and party members who she said came out peacefully to vote despite pressure and attempts to suppress the will of the people. The APC has yet to officially release results or comment on the allegations. There was no immediate response from the Ondo State Government or the individuals named in the statement. The Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency is one of several constituencies where primaries have been contested ahead of the 2027 general elections.
