I didn’t step down for Aiyedatiwa during Ondo APC primaries, says Akinfolarin

• Ganduje legally unfit to superintend over primaries, Oke alleges
• Insists shadow election negates APC guidelines, Electoral Act
• Calls for fresh election over alleged irregularities, discrepancies
• Ilaje summit group congratulates governor on victory

One of the governorship aspirants that contested for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa during last Saturday’s primaries, Mayowa Akinfolarin, has dispelled the rumour making the rounds that he stepped down for the governor during the shadow election.

Akinfolarin, who came second after garnering 15,343 votes, said that he did not back out of the contest at any time, but was determined to clinch the ticket of the party during the April 20 contest.

In a statement by Mayowa Akinfolarin Campaign Organisation, the spokesperson, Oluwagbenga Ajongbolo, emphasised that during the stakeholders’ meeting held before the primaries, the Secretary of the Primary Election Committee, Ovie Omo-Agege, had revealed that none of the aspirants stepped down.

The former lawmaker, who urged his followers and people of the state to ignore the rumour, said: “This is not only embarrassing but unfair, unimaginable, baseless, and ungodly to accuse a man who traversed the political landscape of Ondo State and visited all the 18 local councils canvassing for votes and sure of victory to now drop his ambition for another aspirant.”

He further stressed that, at a time, there were allegations that one of the aspirants bought his forms for him and that at another time, there were rumours that our campaign director-general, Timehin Adelegbe, also collapsed his structure for another aspirant.

IN a related vein, another aspirant, Olusola Oke, has said that the National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje, was legally unfit to oversee the party’s shadow election.

Oke said that there was a subsisting court order restraining Ganduje from performing the functions of the national chairman of the APC, a development he maintained, raised questions on the legitimacy of the primary.

In a petition he submitted to the Appeal Committee set up by the national secretariat of the APC through his legal representative, Oluwaseyi Bamigboye, Oke argued that the April 20 primaries violated the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act.

Oke said the involvement of Ganduje in the process despite the legal constraints placed on him, compromised the integrity of the primaries.

He urged the party to set aside the primaries and conduct a fresh one, citing alleged irregularities and discrepancies in the process.

MEANWHILE, the Ilaje Development Summit Group (IDSG) has congratulated Aiyedatiwa on his victory in securing the APC ticket for Ondo State election.

In a statement, the group said: “Aiyedatiwa’s nomination as the APC flagbearer is not only a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities but also an indicative of his widespread acceptance among his party faithful in Ondo State, as well as a historic moment for the Ilaje community. His achievement highlights the APC’s commitment to inclusivity and recognition of the diverse talents and capabilities within our great state.

“As a non-partisan organisation dedicated to the advancement and development of the Ilaje people, the IDSG commends the APC for its decision to nominate an Ilaje candidate. This bold step re-affirms our belief in the power of unity and diversity to drive progress and prosperity for all.

“We applaud the governor for his exemplary service and unwavering dedication to the betterment of Ondo State. Under his visionary leadership, we do not doubt that our beloved state will continue to thrive and flourish.

“We call upon all other contestants, as well as all residents of Ondo State, to join us in rallying behind the candidate and be united in our shared vision for a brighter future for our state.”