Ondo guber primary: Time for APC to move on

THE recent governorship primary election held by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State continues to grab the headlines, primarily due to Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s decision to file a lawsuit challenging the party’s leadership and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy.

Despite Ibrahim’s claims of irregularities and non-compliance with electoral guidelines, which were intended to cast a shadow over the proceedings, evidence of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s growing support base suggests a different narrative.

Governor Aiyedatiwa’s support is underscored by the stance of the national leadership of the APC, with National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, publicly urging all governorship aspirants from the primary election to unite behind Aiyedatiwa for the forthcoming November 16, 2024 governorship election. This call for unity highlights a recognition of Aiyedatiwa’s leadership and the need for party cohesion moving forward.

In spite of pleas from the national leadership of the APC, Senator Ibrahim continued to pursue his legal action, seemingly rejecting all reconciliation efforts.

I must state that Senator Ibrahim’s right to reject or accept the result of the primary is inalienable. Yet, for a seasoned politician who should be able to read between the lines, a quick reassessment of his basis of engagement on the matter in obedience to his party leadership’s stance would be more beneficial for him on the one hand. On the other hand, a united APC seeking to retain the governorship of Ondo State would also gain.

Aiyedatiwa emerges as a beacon of progressivism within the APC. His dedication to advancing the party’s collective objectives evident in his recent victory speech following his nomination as the party’s candidate for the upcoming November 16 governorship election, attests to this.

In a display of exemplary sportsmanship, Aiyedatiwa took a moment to commend his fellow contestants, recognizing their contributions to the democratic process and urging them to join hands in ensuring the party’s success at the polls. However, amidst this call for unity and collaboration, there remains a discordant note struck by Ibrahim. Despite holding a prominent political office as a senator and rather than rallying behind the party’s chosen candidate, Ibrahim appears intent on pursuing his own agenda.

As the November 16 election draws nearer, the APC finds itself at a critical juncture, torn between competing visions for the future of Ondo state. Will the party embrace the spirit of cooperation and solidarity championed by Aiyedatiwa, or will it succumb to the divisive forces?

The answer may well determine the outcome of the election and shape the trajectory of Ondo’s political landscape for years to come.

“Democracy sometimes comes with discordant tunes. This is not the time to hold grudge against one another, but for all of us to come together so as to remain in power,” Aiyedatiwa said after his victory.

At the state level, the party’s chairman in Ondo, Ade Adetimehin, expressed his support for Governor Aiyedatiwa during the governor’s ‘Thank You’ visit to the state party secretariat.

Adetimehin stated, “The governor has shown leadership and has done the needful by coming to meet the SWC of the party after his victory in the primary election. Primary elections in the APC are a family affair. We have elected our governorship candidate. Now that the primary is over, we must remain the same progressive family and come together for the election in November.”

However, what seems clear is that these reconciliatory moves do not appear to be hitting the right cord with Ibrahim.

In fact, in the suit filed by the senator in Abuja the APC is joined as a defendant in the suit he filed against Aiyedatiwa’s victory.

But the party has expressed its opposition, insisting that the case must be transferred from Abuja to Akure, Ondo State, where the primary was held. Ibrahim’s argument is against the ride, considering the stance of his party, regarding the Ondo primary election.

The Ondo Primary Election Appeal Committee recently concluded that there was no substantial basis in the various petitions challenging Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s victory in the April 20, 2024 governorship primary of the party in Ondo State.

Mohammed Abubakar, chairman of the Committee and former Bauchi governor, affirmed this conclusion while presenting the committee’s report to the APC National Working Committee in Abuja on Monday.

During the submission of the report to the APC National Chairman, Abubakar confirmed that the appeal committee received six petitions from aggrieved aspirants following the declaration of the election results.

However, he emphasized that many of these petitions lacked documentary or electronic evidence to substantiate the allegations of irregularities and manipulated results as claimed.

Furthermore, as highlighted by various party officials and observers, the APC governorship primary election in Ondo State, conducted on April 20, was characterized by transparency and substantial turnout.

Observations from various party members and stakeholders underscore the integrity of the electoral process.

Abiola Makinde, a member of the House of Representatives, highlighted that the election was conducted peacefully and efficiently, with significant voter turnout and law enforcement presence ensuring orderliness. “The election was free and fair, and there was no violence. It is about 95-100% on performance.”

Similarly, former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Olabimtan, noted that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s victory was anticipated due to his popularity and the electorate’s support. Olabimtan emphasized that those familiar with Ondo politics could foresee Aiyedatiwa’s success, further validating the legitimacy of the primary election.

These endorsements reflect a broad consensus on the fairness of the primary, further undermining Ibrahim’s allegations of irregularities.

Senator Ibrahim’s claims of electoral irregularities and non-compliance with INEC guidelines may end up suffering the fate of the PDP presidential election petition which did not succeed. His primary contention revolves around the alleged disenfranchisement of delegates purportedly supporting him. However, such accusations are commonplace in intra-party disputes and often lack the evidentiary backing required to overturn election results.  But the senator appears convinced that he has a case.

Historical precedents, such as the case of Ododo vs. Smart Adeyemi, illustrated the judiciary’s stance on such matters. Adeyemi’s challenge to the APC primary election’s process on similar grounds was dismissed by the Supreme Court for lack of merit. The court emphasized that Adeyemi failed to substantiate his allegations of electoral misconduct.

There is growing scepticism regarding Senator Ibrahim’s motives, with allegations suggesting that if the matter is not resolved in earnest, there is the possibility of a potential alignment with opposition forces. Though there is no proof to support this allegation, those funneling this are pointing at the failure of all the peace moves made so far and Ibrahim’s insistence on seeking legal redress, especially considering that he placed a distant fourth place in the primary, where he garnered only 10 percent of the total valid votes cast. The sharp contrast between his performance and his subsequent legal challenge raises questions about his true intentions.

Some political analysts think Senator Ibrahim’s lawsuit against the APC leadership and Governor Aiyedatiwa may be counterproductive to his own political future. But for now, the consensus is that the primary election was conducted fairly, as attested to by various credible sources, and Ibrahim’s claims do not enjoy the support of his party.

To preserve party unity and focus on the upcoming gubernatorial election, the APC and its members must discountenance Ibrahim’s tactics and support Governor Aiyedatiwa, whose mandate was clearly and legitimately affirmed by the primary election.

• Aiyedogbon writes from Akure

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