On Thursday, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State reiterated that the All Progressives Congress successfully conducted a smooth governorship primary in the state.
“I personally participated in my ward and witnessed the election proceedings… the election indeed took place,” Aiyedatiwa informed journalists during the opening ceremony of the Economic and Financial Inclusion program at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
He emphasized that those claiming otherwise, alleging that no primary occurred in the state, are merely spreading unfounded rumors and must substantiate their claims. Additionally, he revealed that he has initiated discussions with his fellow contestants to ensure a unified approach for the upcoming election.
Aiyedatiwa emerged victorious, securing 48,569 votes, while his closest competitors, Mayowa Akinfolarin and Olusola Oke, obtained 15,343 and 14,865 votes, respectively.
Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, who heads the Governorship Primary Election Committee, announced the outcome. Aiyedatiwa emerged victorious in 16 out of 18 Local Government Areas, with the exception of Ilaje LGA, where he trailed behind Oke, who secured the third position.
Despite the official declaration, the primary faced allegations of irregularities and procedural shortcomings leading up to the November governorship elections.
One of the contenders, Mrs. Folakemi Omogoroye, called for the nullification of the results, contesting the legitimacy of the primaries. She argued that the absence of election officials and voting materials indicated that no genuine election had taken place.
There were additional reports of violence in Ifedore LGA, resulting in the annulment of results from that area.
In response to the aftermath, Aiyedatiwa insisted that those making allegations of irregularities must provide evidence to support their claims.
“So, if you’re raising concerns about other irregularities, I can’t comment on that. The burden of proof lies with the accuser.
“In such a competitive scenario, there might be lingering grievances. Some of the complaints we’ve received include allegations of an unfair process, claims of nonexistent elections in certain areas, and so forth.
“I can only speak for the ward I was in. Therefore, those lodging complaints are merely relying on hearsay. The fact remains that the election did take place,” he asserted.
He urged all disgruntled aspirants to “collaborate to ensure our success in the November election.”
To that end, Aiyedatiwa mentioned that he has already initiated discussions with the aspirants whom he referred to as “victors” and “members of our political family.”
He remarked, “The election process has concluded. We all emerge as winners, the 16 aspirants; I consider them part of our family because this endeavor is a collective one. Our goal was to select a flagbearer, and indeed, one emerged. Now, it’s crucial for all aspirants to collaborate.
“We’ve already initiated discussions. The positive aspect is that I share a personal rapport with each one of them. It’s not a matter of lacking connections; I can freely communicate with them, and when I reach out, they readily respond.
“There’s no room for posturing; it’s not a politics of slander. Therefore, our interactions are constructive.”
The governor also emphasized the importance of economic and financial inclusion for rural residents. He emphasized that the federal government should collaborate with state governors and private sector stakeholders to leverage appropriate technology in integrating rural communities into the national financial system.
