Group calls for sanction of Jimoh Ibrahim, Oke over comments on Ondo APC primary election

The Ondo Peoples Assembly (OPA) has condemned some comments made by top aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Ondo state.

In April, the APC conducted its governorship primary election to select its flagbearer for the November 16 election in Ondo state.

The campaign organisation of Olusola Oke, one of the top contenders, described the governorship primary election as a “sham”.

On Tuesday, Jimoh Ibrahim, senator representing Ondo south and a contender, also described the election as a “mega fraud”.

In a statement on Thursday signed by Olufemi Kikelomo, publicity secretary of OPA, the group called for the sanction of Ibrahim and Oke over their comments on the outcome of the election.

“The Ondo Peoples Assembly (OPA) vehemently condemns the continued attempts to undermine the democratic process and instigate crisis following the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary,” the statement reads.

“It is with deep dismay that we address the sustained attacks on the personality of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and some supporters of Chief Olusola Oke, who were among the losers of the primary.

“The people of Ondo State are deeply displeased by the relentless efforts to discredit Governor Aiyedatiwa and the process, which has been adjudged by the APC and observers of the process as free, fair and credible.

“It is indisputable, that Governor Aiyedatiwa emerged as the winner of the primary through a transparent and democratic process. It is therefore unacceptable that individuals would seek to undermine the will of the people and disrupt the peace and stability of our state.

“We commend the other aspirants who participated in the contest for their sportsmanship and for conceding victory to Governor Aiyedatiwa. Their exemplary behavior is a testament to their commitment to the democratic ideals that we hold dear.

“We hereby call upon the leadership of the APC to take immediate and decisive action against Senator Jimoh Ibrahim for continuously publicly attacking the party, disrespecting the office of the governor of Ondo State, and undermining a democratic process conducted by the party. His actions are not only detrimental to the party but also to the entire state.

“We reaffirm that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remains the incontrovertible choice and candidate of the people for the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State. We urge all well-meaning citizens to rally behind him as we strive to move our dear state forward.”