Some aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the senatorial primary election for Ondo Central have raised concerns that an unpopular candidate imposed on the party would make it difficult to win the 2027 general election.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that one of the aspirants, Olumuyiwa Adu, speaking with the journalists on Monday in Akure, condemned the intimidation by suspected political thugs.
According to Adu, some armed youths intimidated voters during the exercise and openly insisted that only one preferred aspirant should receive votes.
He emphasised that forcing candidates on party members against their wishes could have serious political consequences for the party in the state.
He said, “The move is an attempt to prevent free and fair conduct of the primaries. Forcing candidates on party members against their wishes could have serious political consequences for the party in the state.
“The truth about it is that for those selected by force can’t win an election in Ondo State for APC. We are saying it. They cannot. It’s not possible.
“We saw some young men brandishing guns and threatening that for the three of us contesting, there is only one person that they want people to enter and vote for.
“Despite the tension surrounding the primary, I deliberately restrained my supporters from engaging in violence.”
Also speaking on the issue, a member representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, described the APC primary election as a complete charade.
Adegbonmire, who was seeking reelection, also alleged widespread intimidation, violence and disruption of the voting process across several wards in the district.
While calling on the national leaders to intervene, Adegbonmire questioned the credibility of the exercise, insisting that voters were deliberately prevented from participating.
He stated, “I was at my ward in Akure South Local Government Area. Armed thugs disrupted voting when it became obvious that I was leading.
“It’s a charade. It is a complete charade. I have told my supporters not to attack anybody, not to fight anybody, but to record the instances of what is happening across the senatorial district.
“I think the national body has to step into this. The same thing happened last week during the House of Representatives primaries where voters were intimidated.
“Now we are witnessing this again in the Senate primaries. Clearly, it’s a pattern, and something has to be done about it.”
However, another aspirant in the Central Senatorial District, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, described the exercise at his Ward 7, Ijomu in Akure, as peaceful and orderly, praising supporters for their turnout.
He said, “The turnout has been amazing and largely peaceful. The people know what they want and it was a flawless exercise.
“I want to thank our supporters for trooping out en masse to participate in this exercise, and I have no doubt it will be a smooth process.”