The ruling All Progressives Congress stated that 171, 922 party members from 203 wards in Ondo State will decide the result of the governorship primary on Saturday.
The party’s National Organising Secretary, Muhammad Argungu, revealed this during the inauguration of the Governorship Primary Election Committee and Primary Election Appeal Committee.
Sixteen aspirants will compete for the single ticket to become the APC governorship candidate in the state.
The contenders include the current Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Olusola Oke, Prof. Francis Faduyile, Dr Funmi Waheed-Adekojo, and Isaac Kekemeke.
Dr. Soji Ehinlanwo, Akinfolarin Samuel, Okunjimi Odimayo, Adewale Akinterinwa, Olugbenga Edema, Gen. Ohunyeye Olamide, Morayo Lebi, Garvey Oladiran Iyanjan, and Ifeoluwa Oyedele are also in the race.
Argungu also confirmed that the Independent National Electoral Commission has provided a certified membership register showing that only 171, 922 members are eligible to participate in the exercise.
He stated; “INEC has provided a certified membership register of 173,181 members which was revalidated and reduced to 171, 922. This will also be revalidated in Ondo State. All aspirants are assured of fairness and an unbiased process to select the All Progressives Congress candidate.
“All 16 candidates have purchased and returned the completed nomination forms in accordance with articles 13, 18, and 27 of our party constitution. The screening committee has cleared all 16 aspirants, allowing them to participate in the April 20 poll.
This was to ensure that all candidates are vetted before the screening for the primary election. Also, the screening committee has vetted and cleared all 16 candidates.
Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the party, urged the primary election committee to take their task seriously.
He also reassured the officials that proper security arrangements have been made for the exercise, with all relevant documents available ahead of the poll.
He mentioned, “Controversy is common in a democracy and you cannot expect a completely peaceful exercise. However, we trust that you are capable.
“We expect you to stay focused and well-organized in Ondo State. We have engaged with all stakeholders and security agencies to ensure your protection.”
