“It is imperative that all necessary due diligence is undertaken to prevent potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by political opponents”
Ekiti group seeks level-playing ground in APC Rep primary
By John Odunayo
A political group, the Concerned Ise Ekiti Indigenes, on Thursday called for level playing ground in the All Progressives Congress primary election for Ekiti South Federal Constituency I billed to be conducted on Friday.
Spokesperson for the group, Bayo Babalotin, alleged of subterranean moves in some quarters in the party to shut out the House of Representatives member and an aspirant, Niyi Ojuawo, despite his achievements in the last three years and the edge which a ranking lawmaker had over a fresher.
The group spoke at a press briefing in Ado Ekiti where it alleged that the series of petition it had written against the co-aspirant for the constituency, Toyin Okoro, to the party leadership complaining about his alleged endorsement as preferential candidate were not treated.
Ojuawo and Okoro, who both hail from Ise Ekiti in Ise/Orun Local Government area are contesting for the federal constituency’s ticket for the forthcoming 2027 House of Assembly election.
Babalotin appealed to the APC at the national and state levels, the APC Reps Primary Election Committee and Governor Biodun Oyebanji to intervene in the matter and ensure transparent primary poll process to pick the party’s candidate.
Babalotin, who listed sundry allegations against Okoro, said that “the concerns of the group, if they get to the public domain, can be used strategically to undermine the reputation of the party.
“We present these concerns in good faith and in the collective interest of safeguarding the integrity and electoral strength of our great party. It is imperative that all necessary due diligence is undertaken to prevent potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by political opponents.
“We appeal to Governor Oyebanji, as leader of the party in the state to ensure that there is level-playing ground in the conduct of the primary election for Ekiti South Federal Constituency I in the interest of justice, fair play and protecting the integrity of the party”.
