The JIDE IPINSAGBA CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION (JICO) has described the recent statement credited to Chief Alexander Oluremi Ajipe over alleged intimidation of his supporters as premature, baseless, and another desperate attempt to attract public sympathy ahead of the APC senatorial primary election in Ondo North Senatorial District.
JICO noted the contradiction in Chief Ajipe’s statement, where on one hand he calls on security agencies to investigate alleged intimidation, and on the other hand openly threatens court action over a primary election that has not even been conducted. According to the organisation, such conduct clearly reflects anxiety and desperation rather than confidence in the democratic process.
“It is obvious that Chief Ajipe is already jittery, having realised that his ambition has once again failed to gain the needed grassroots acceptance within Ondo North. Nigerians will recall that he followed the same path in 2022 after losing the senatorial contest. Rather than accepting the outcome in good faith, he proceeded from one court to another, including the Supreme Court, where he eventually lost at every stage,” the statement said.
JICO maintained that political contests should not be reduced to endless allegations, blackmail, and attempts to create unnecessary tension within the party. It added that Senator Jide Ipinsagba and his supporters remain committed to peaceful, transparent, and democratic processes in line with the constitution and guidelines of the APC.
According to the organisation, there is no credible evidence of intimidation against Chief Ajipe’s supporters in Akoko North Federal Constituency or any part of Ondo North. It described the allegation as a familiar political strategy often deployed to prepare excuses ahead of another likely defeat at the polls.
JICO further advised Chief Ajipe and his supporters to focus on issue-based engagement instead of trying to heat up the political atmosphere with speculative accusations capable of creating unnecessary fear among party members and the public.
“Democracy is about participation, consultation, and acceptance of the will of the majority. Senator Jide Ipinsagba has continued to enjoy wide support across Ondo North based on his performance, accessibility, and developmental interventions within the last two and a half years. No amount of propaganda or media intimidation can change that reality,” the statement added.
JICO also stated that while every aspirant has the constitutional right to seek legal redress where necessary, it is unreasonable to begin threatening litigation over a process that has not taken place. According to the organisation, such actions only reinforce public concerns that Chief Ajipe may already be preparing grounds to challenge another defeat instead of concentrating on winning the confidence of party members.
The JIDE IPINSAGBA CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION (JICO) therefore urged APC members and the people of Ondo North to remain peaceful and avoid being distracted by divisive political narratives, expressing confidence that the party’s primary process will be conducted peacefully and democratically.
Signed.
JIDE IPINSAGBA CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION(JICO)
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