Ondo APC guber primary: Aiyedatiwa asks aggrieved members to provide evidence of irregularities

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo, has asked those who alleged that the gubernatorial primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state was marred by irregularities to provide evidence.

Aiyedatiwa spoke with journalists in Abuja on Thursday at the conference centre of the presidential villa.

The Ondo governor was at the State House to attend the inauguration of the economic and financial inclusion programme.

On Monday, Aiyedatiwa was announced as the winner of the APC gubernatorial ticket for the November 16 election in Ondo.

Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi and chairman of the election organising committee, announced that Aiyedatiwa secured 48,569 votes to win the election.

Mayowa Akinfolarin came second with 15,343 votes while Olusola Oke polled 14,915 votes.

Aiyedatiwa won in 16 of the 18 LGAs in the state while Oke won in Ilaje LGA.

The APC primary election, which started on Saturday, was characterised by allegations of irregularities while there were demands for cancellation by the aspirants.

Several aspirants alleged that no election took place in most parts of the state.

Reacting to questions on the controversy that trailed the election, Aiyedatiwa said he has a relationship with his contenders for the APC ticket.

The Ondo governor said the election was a contest among family members, adding that he is already talking with those who contested against him.

Aiyedatiwa said the complaints about the primary election were “just hearsay”.

“In a contest like that some may be having grudges with the way the system runs,” the governor said.

“Like the complaints we have from some of them were that the election was not totally free and fair, there were no elections in some places and all of that.

“You can only be in one place at a time. I went to my own ward and I was counted and the election took place in my ward. I cannot speak of other wards.

“Election actually took place. So if you’re complaining of some other irregularities, I don’t know. So who alleges, must prove.

“But in all, APC is our party, we must work together to ensure that we are victorious in the November election with other political parties.

“So, we are discussing and we are trying to look at what needs to be done and I’m relating with all of them and they have been forthcoming.”