APC Chieftain Criticizes Ekiti North Primary Election
Ayodele Arise, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former senator for Ekiti North, has labelled the party’s recent primary election for the Ekiti North Senatorial District ticket a sham.
Allegations of Fraud and Manipulation
Arise, who contested in the race alongside aspirants Dipo Bamisaye and Dare Owolabi, rejected the outcome, citing widespread fraud and manipulation. In a weekend statement, he warned that the crisis exposed serious shortcomings in the party’s internal democratic processes.
Call for President Tinubu’s Intervention
The former lawmaker urged President Bola Tinubu to step in immediately, address the complaints of aggrieved aspirants, and prevent further damage to the APC’s democratic image.
Internal Democracy Challenges in APC
Arise stressed that having a constitution is meaningless if its guidelines are routinely sidestepped. He said his decision to run was motivated by a desire to test the system and prove that the party’s internal elections remain problematic.
“It will be a shame if some of us pass through this country and we don’t have the voice to correct the anomalies and let people know that if we want to practice democracy, let us practice it. If we don’t want it, it’s a different kettle of fish.”
Ayodele Arise
Governor Interference Cited as Obstacle
He accused certain state governors of meddling in party primaries, frustrating aspirants who lack their backing. According to Arise, this gubernatorial influence remains one of the biggest barriers to fair contests within the APC, even when candidates are not directly opposing the governors.
Aspirants Reject Results, Demand Redress
The primaries held last month were marred by controversies across several zones. In Ekiti North, the declaration of Fasuyi as the winner continues to fuel disputes among contenders.
Party Urged to Address Grievances Ahead of Future Elections
Arise expressed confidence that the APC leadership, including the party chairman, is already aware of the complaints and is working with President Tinubu to resolve them. He urged the party to properly address the grievances to restore confidence in its internal democratic process before the next election cycle.
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