Party Chairman debunks allegations, insists exercise free and fair
Hon. Durojaiye Damilola Uthman, an aspirant for Abeokuta North State Constituency, has alleged irregularities and intimidation during the APC primary election at Gbagura Ward 6 in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Uthman expressed disappointment, claiming party leaders are frustrating his ambition despite massive support from constituents.
Speaking with journalists, Uthman said he's surprised by the goings-on, saying his people turned out en masse to show support, but party leaders created unnecessary tension and intimidation. "I'm not skeptical about the primary because these are the people I want to represent, and their opinion should be allowed to fully reflect," he said.
Uthman alleged the process wasn't fair, saying votes were counted for his co-contestant (113 votes) but changed when it was his turn. He cited the constitution, saying matters should be settled through direct primaries with a level playing field.
He accused party leaders, including Bode Mustafa, of trying to impose a preferred candidate. "The people should decide because they're the ones we want to represent," Uthman added.
The aspirant maintained he's not afraid of the process, insisting it should reflect party members' and constituents' wishes. He noted his campaign materials weren't provided, despite submitting posters as required.
His words “I am not skeptical about the primary because these are the people I want to represent, and their opinion should be allowed to fully reflect. We are in a democratic era. We submitted our posters in line with the electoral guidelines yesterday, but unfortunately, when we got here today, none of our campaign materials were brought out,” he stated.
Uthman also alleged that the election process did not provide a level playing field for all aspirants, claiming that while votes were counted for his co-contestant, the process changed when it got to his turn.
He said, “The constitution is clear that where there is no consensus candidate, the matter should be settled through direct primaries, with everyone placed on a level playing field. My co-contestant was counted and given 113 votes, but when it got to my turn, things changed,” he alleged.
He accused some party leaders of attempting to impose a preferred candidate on members of the constituency.
“These are the same insinuations they have continued to spread simply because he is a barrister. Bode Mustafa and others believe that whatever they say must prevail. But I believe the people should decide because they are the ones we want to represent,” he added.
The aspirant also claimed that some individuals had pressured him to step down from the race because of his age.
“They have been going around saying, ‘I’m still small, i should step down.’ But I refused. I even went on radio stations about three or four days ago just to let my people know my stand,” he said.
Describing the development as contrary to democratic ideals, Uthman appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure fairness within the party system.
“So, this is not the democracy we all clamor for. They believe the youths are not capable, but if the political elite do not believe in our abilities, it is the people who will use their votes to tell the whole world whether they believe in us or not,” he said.
He further alleged that money politics was influencing the outcome of the primary process.
“They even told me openly that Honorable Tella allegedly gave someone ₦10 million to step down.
So, what message are they trying to send? Does it mean that if another person offers ₦20 million, the ticket automatically goes to the highest bidder?” he queried.
Uthman insisted that leadership should emerge through the genuine choice of party members, not intimidation or financial influence.
Uthman insisted that leadership should emerge through the genuine choice of party members and not through intimidation or financial influence.
Responding to the allegations, Hon. Babatunde Tella and the Abeokuta North APC Chairperson, Alhaja Faidat Sarumi Akintunde, in their separate remarks, dismissed the claims as false, malicious, and politically motivated.
Hon. Tella explained that the APC primary election conducted across the 16 wards of Abeokuta North was “free, fair, and transparent”, stressing that he never offered money or inducement to influence the process.
“The delegates and party members voted voluntarily based on their convictions and trust in my capabilities”, he stated, accusing Eni-Afe-Lamo of resorting to “blackmail and character assassination” after losing the contest.
On her parts, Alhaja Faidat also denied the allegation that she received a certain amount from Tella, describing the accusation as “an absolute lie”.
She maintained that her responsibility as a local government party chairperson was to ensure peace, order, and fairness throughout the exercise.
Alhaja Faidat also denied allegations, saying she's ensuring peace and fairness. She challenged Uthman to provide proof, urging party members to disregard the "baseless blackmail".
“I challenge him to provide proof instead of attempting to divide the party with false accusations".
0 Comments