Five House of Representatives aspirants from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State's Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency have rejected the primary election held on Saturday, May 16. The aspirants jointly alleged widespread irregularities and the absence of a credible electoral process.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the aspirants urged the public to disregard any results circulating on social media, describing them as a deliberate attempt to undermine President Bola Tinubu's commitment to deepening democracy and the integrity of the party.
Aspirants Seek Redress from Party Leadership
The APC chieftains revealed that they have already submitted complaints to the party's appeal committee, the National Working Committee (NWC), and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They emphasized that any valid results must come from the party's national office, not from unverified social media posts.
Ademola Adebayo Samad, representing Ifelodun-Ora, stated that no proper election was conducted in many wards within the constituency. He described the process as marked by confusion, protests, and manipulation. Samad appealed to the APC NWC, the Kwara State party leadership, and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to investigate those responsible for the controversy.
Samad said, "It doesn't matter who could have won; our major concern is the democratic process. Across the Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, no election took place. There were irregularities across board and protests in several places."
Demand for Fairness and Inclusiveness
Akeem Ishola Balogun from Oja Ward II, Igbaja, criticized the alleged consensus arrangement adopted by the party. He insisted that genuine consensus requires consultation with all aspirants and stakeholders. Balogun added, "If the process had followed the rules and regulations laid down by the party, nobody would have complained."
Dauda Olumuyiwa Patrick from Oro-Ago ward claimed that no election was held in any of the 41 wards, and his supporters were denied access to electoral materials. He reported that his coordinator in Offa was allegedly beaten for raising concerns.
Bello Ademola Joseph from Omupo ward expressed hope that President Tinubu, the party, and Governor AbdulRazaq would correct what he called a brazen disregard for democracy. Ayodele Theophillus Apere from Shaare ward I noted that neither the direct nor consensus option prescribed by the party was followed.
The aspirants declared their readiness to accept any lawful option, including a rerun or consensus arrangement, provided it complies with party guidelines. This controversy is expected to heighten political tension within the APC in Kwara State as preparations for the 2027 general elections begin.
