Ondo APC Primaries: Adu claims armed intimidation, thug-backed candidate imposition

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—- Alleges primaries were hijacked

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By Dayo Johnson Akure

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Ondo Central Senatorial aspirant, Olumuyiwa Adu, has accused armed thugs of hijacking the All Progressives Congress primaries in Ondo State, alleging widespread intimidation and imposition of candidates.

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Speaking to journalists during the exercise, Adu said the process could not be described as a democratic election.

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He alleged that armed men took over voting areas and threatened supporters of aspirants not aligned with the governor’s preferred candidates.

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According to him “The atmosphere was characterised by fear, coercion and suppression. Voters were denied the freedom to choose their preferred candidates.

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According to Adu, the armed men openly claimed to be acting on the governor’s instructions and insisted that only aspirants earlier announced as consensus candidates should be supported.

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“We had one a few days ago and we witnessed it. We saw young men brandishing guns and threatening that for the three of us contesting, there is only one person they want anybody to vote for. And today, again, we saw it.

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“Despite his military background, Adu said he deliberately restrained his supporters to avoid bloodshed.

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“I have been in the military. We know the boys, we have the resources to bring them out. But what will it profit me if at the end of the day, life is lost?” he said.

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The aspirant warned that retaliatory violence would only deepen tensions and destabilize the state, stressing that the governor did not have a monopoly on violence.

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Adu said the growing division within the APC in Ondo was becoming dangerous and could weaken the party ahead of future elections.

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He added that many party faithful who worked for the current administration now felt sidelined.

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“There is no peace in the state. There is no love in the state. APC is a party that has so much love, and in the interest of our president, we will not retaliate,” he said.

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“We put him there. He did not elect himself. We worked day and night to ensure that he won the election.

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“Many of us sacrificed our time, resources and political structures because we believed he would unite the party and carry everyone along.

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“It is painful today to see loyal party members treated this way.”

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The aspirant warned that candidates allegedly imposed on the party would struggle to win elections in Ondo, citing growing public anger.

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“For those he elected by force, they can’t win an election in Ondo State for APC. We are saying it. They cannot. It’s not possible,” he said.

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Adu ruled out working against the party, saying his intervention was to save the APC from deeper crisis and restore confidence among members.

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“The state is currently burning and we are saying this so that the whole world should hear,” he said.

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He said his ambition was driven by a desire to serve, noting that he had a career outside politics.

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He declared that “I don’t lose anything. I’m not a politician that doesn’t have a second address. I only came in to help the people.

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