An All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant to the Ekiti South Federal Constituency One ,Olasunkanmi Olajunyin has alleged widespread malpractices in the party primaries held in Ikere and Ilawe towns on Saturday.
The aggrieved aspirant alleged the Saturday exercise was marred by violence and disruption in Ikere Local Government Area, preventing a free and fair voting process in several wards.
The APC aspirant disclosed that his complaint had been incidented at the Police Area Commande Office in Ikere
He also claimed that the command said to be aware of the developments. Video evidence corroborating the accounts has also been made available.
According to him reports from party members and eyewitnesses, a known member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, simply identified as Seun, allegedly led a group of thugs to multiple wards across Ikere Ekiti during the exercise. The group reportedly interfered with proceedings, intimidated voters, and obstructed participation.
He also said ,
“In Afao Ward, the disruption was most pronounced. Three aspirants—Olajuyin, Otunba, and Okoro—had representatives and banners present. Okoro is understood to be the candidate reportedly backed by the state government. Witnesses allege that Seun and his associates targeted the individual holding Olajuyin’s banner, assaulting him until he collapsed. Journalists at the scene administered first aid before he regained consciousness. Video footage of the incident has reportedly been recorded.
“Similar incidents were reported in other wards. Women and other voters complained of being barred from voting, while some young men claimed their phones were destroyed as they attempted to document the events. In at least four wards, witnesses stated that voting did not occur, with results allegedly written without the conduct of a proper ballot.
Party stakeholders have called for a thorough investigation into the conduct of the primaries in Ikere LGA, stating that the exercise failed to meet the standards of a credible internal democratic process.