JUST IN: Olujimi rejects Ekiti South APC senatorial primary result

A senatorial aspirant, Senator Biodun Olujimi, has rejected the result of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Ekiti South Senatorial District held.

She made her position known in a statement made available to journalists.

“I, Senator Biodun Olujimi, hereby reject in its entirety the outcome of the All Progressives Congress senatorial primary election conducted in Ekiti South Senatorial District on Monday.

“The exercise, which ought to have reflected the true democratic wishes of party members across the district, was unfortunately marred by widespread irregularities, intimidation, harassment and acts of brigandage that undermined the credibility and integrity of the process.

“What took place on Monday fell far short of the standards of a free, fair and transparent primary election. Rather than democracy in action, what the people witnessed was a charade carefully orchestrated to suppress the genuine voice of party members and manipulate the process in favour of predetermined interests.

“In at least three local government areas within the senatorial district, my supporters came under sustained intimidation. My banners and posters could not even be displayed in several wards because of threats and harassment from political thugs and desperate elements who sought to create fear and tension throughout the exercise.

“It was particularly disturbing that members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers were unleashed on my supporters in a bid to intimidate, harass and prevent them from freely participating in the process. Several party members were disenfranchised, while credible reports of overvoting and other electoral infractions were recorded across different wards.

“These developments are unacceptable and constitute a direct assault on the democratic values and principles upon which our great party was founded,” she stated.

The further lawmaker further stated: “As a committed democrat and loyal member of the APC, I will pursue all legitimate and constitutional avenues available within the party and under the law to challenge and appeal the outcome of this flawed exercise. Democracy must not only be preached; it must also be practiced with fairness, transparency and justice.

“I want to assure my supporters, political associates and the good people of Ekiti South that this is not the end of the journey. I urge everyone to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding as we continue to seek redress through appropriate channels.