Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1: APC Leaders Accused Of Imposition Plot Ahead Of Primary.

Some members of the All Progressives Congress in Ado Ekiti have accused certain party leaders of allegedly attempting to impose a preferred aspirant for the Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1 seat ahead of the party’s primary election.

The allegation was contained in a statement issued by a group identified as “Ori Olota Lule Ado” and signed by Adesua Badmus on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the controversy followed remarks allegedly made by the APC Chairman in Ado Local Government, Hon. Michael Akinleye, during a mobilisation meeting held at the residence of Chief Remi Oguntuase on May 6.

The meeting, which was reportedly organised for ward mobilisers ahead of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election campaign, was said to have shifted focus to discussions surrounding the House of Representatives ticket for Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1.

The statement alleged that Akinleye informed attendees that Governor Oyebanji had expressed support for the endorsement of a particular aspirant during a recent meeting in Ikogosi.

He was also quoted as allegedly saying that the governor would personally host officials from Abuja expected to conduct the primary election and influence the outcome of the exercise.

The group further claimed that the APC chairman warned other aspirants who had obtained nomination forms to step down or risk losing future political appointments and support within the party.

However, a party member, Mrs Mary Aladetoyinbo, was said to have openly challenged the alleged endorsement, insisting that party members already had their preferred candidate and warning that the aspirant being promoted might be difficult to market politically.

The statement expressed concern over what it described as attempts to drag Governor Oyebanji and the traditional institution into partisan politics.

It also faulted claims allegedly linking the Ewi of Ado Ekiti to the endorsement process, stressing that the revered traditional institution should not be involved in political disputes.