....We do not know her, she cannot represent us" — Protesters....
....We have the original results with, manipulation won't stand..
Fresh tension has erupted within the political atmosphere of Owo Local Government Area as hundreds of youths, market women, and concerned stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) reportedly staged a protest on Friday over the outcome of the party’s primary election for Owo Constituency II.
The protesters, who gathered in large numbers, openly rejected the emergence of Funke Aruna as the APC candidate, calling on party leaders and the Ondo State government to urgently intervene and ensure what they described as justice and fairness in the process.
The protest marks a new twist in the growing controversy trailing the APC primary election in Owo Constituency II, with increasing complaints and dissatisfaction from sections of party members and grassroots supporters over how the exercise was conducted.
Chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with different inscriptions, the aggrieved protesters declared that the candidate announced by the party does not enjoy their support or acceptance within the constituency.
"We do not know her, she cannot represent us," some of the protesters repeatedly chanted during the demonstration, insisting that the candidate allegedly lacks the grassroots connection needed to represent the constituency effectively.
According to the protesters, unresolved grievances surrounding the primary election could create deeper cracks within the party and negatively affect APC's chances in future elections if immediate steps are not taken.
They alleged that many party faithful and supporters believe the final outcome did not reflect the actual preference of delegates and members who participated in the process.
Speaking during the protest, some members of the group accused the party of attempting to impose a candidate on the people, insisting that democratic principles and the wishes of grassroots members must be respected.
The protesters further alleged that the candidate selection process lacked proper consultation and claimed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa hand-picked candidates for both Owo Constituency I and II without wider engagement with stakeholders.
According to them, while there were fewer objections regarding the candidate for Constituency I, they strongly rejected the outcome for Constituency II.
They warned that any attempt to ignore the concerns of party members could damage APC's long-standing political strength in Owo.
The group also raised allegations regarding the handling of the election process, claiming that results were manipulated and insisting they possess what they described as original records of the primary outcome.
The protesters maintained that Hon. Morenike Waterspoon was the actual winner of the APC primary election and therefore should have emerged as the party's candidate for Owo Constituency II.
They also expressed concern over reports that another declaration regarding the primary outcome was later made in Akure, arguing that such developments contradicted the understanding of participants and created more confusion around the exercise.
The protesters further questioned the handling of votes during the primary election and insisted that the aspirant they support enjoys broader acceptance and stronger grassroots appeal across the constituency.
Sending a direct message to APC leadership and the state government, the protesters warned that failure to address the situation could deepen dissatisfaction among supporters and influence political decisions in future elections.
Signed:
Chief Olanrewaju Olaleye
Progressive Elders Forum
Owo Chapter.
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