Ekiti 2018: Crisis rocks APGA as candidate alleges plot to snatch ticket

THE All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ekiti State is currently enmeshed in controversy ahead of the July 14th governorship election approaches as its candidate in the election, Evangelist Gbenga Adekunle, has cried out over what he said was his illegal replacement by national officers of the party.

Adekunle said in a petition to the chairman of the APGA’s Board of Trustees and governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, a copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune, that his name was illegally substituted with that of Ayodele Lawrence Ayodeji, saying the act was illegal and unfounded.

He claimed that he was duly elected by delegates of the party, in Ekiti State, on May 12th, 2018 and added that “immediately after, I filled form CF001 and nomination form with an affidavit sworn to at Ado Ekiti High Court on 14th May, which was the closing date for submission of the forms.”

Adekunle said it was shocking to learn from an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that his name had been changed without his consent, as prescribed by the law, claiming that money had changed hands in the process that led to his substitution.

He called on Governor Obiano and the national leadership of the party to look into the matter and ensure that justice was done.

He said “all these should be thoroughly investigated because my party executive did the same thing in Ondi State election according to information. A member contested the primary while his documents were replaced by another person to contest the election without the knowledge of the winner of the primary.”