Group Alleges Plot to Impose Candidate and Undermine APC Primary Result
A group known as the Akoko South-East/Akoko South-West Youth Vanguard has raised concerns about an alleged plot to impose automatic tickets and undermine the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in the constituency. The group claims that Victor Ategbole emerged as the winner of the House of Representatives primary, but some individuals are reportedly attempting to overturn the process.
In a statement signed by the group's chairman, Odunayo Ariyo, an appeal was made to President Bola Tinubu, APC chieftain Bisi Akande, and the National Working Committee of the APC to intervene swiftly and ensure that the democratic wishes of party members in the constituency are respected. The youths emphasized that Ategbole duly participated in the APC screening exercise and was officially cleared to contest the primary election, noting that at no point before or during the exercise was he formally informed of any disqualification.
According to the statement, attempts to introduce claims of disqualification after the conduct of the election are inconsistent with constitutional provisions, party guidelines, and the principles of fair hearing. The group cited Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees fair hearing, as well as Article 21.4 of the APC Constitution, which provides aggrieved aspirants with the right to appeal decisions affecting their participation in party processes.
The Youth Vanguard further stated that the primary election was peacefully conducted under the supervision of party officials, with the Returning Officer, Hon. Akin Aibinuommo, officially declaring Ategbole winner after polling 12,011 votes against the 1,965 votes secured by the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati. Describing the situation as a direct threat to internal democracy within the APC, the youths warned against any attempt to overturn the outcome of the primary through what they termed intimidation, manipulation, or political interference.
The statement added that the result announced by the Returning Officer reflected the genuine wishes of delegates, party members, and stakeholders across the federal constituency, insisting that any move to reverse the outcome could deepen divisions within the party ahead of future electoral contests. The group also urged the national leadership of the APC to protect the integrity of its internal democratic processes by resisting external pressures and ensuring that the will of party members prevails.
