Mixed reactions have continued to trail Monday’s All Progressives Congress, APC Senatorial primary election for Ondo Central, following the disruption of the exercise by suspected thugs who reportedly fired sporadic gunshots at Ward 5, Ebenezer African Church Primary School in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The incident caused panic among party members, journalists and residents in the area, forcing many to flee for safety while voting was still ongoing at the venue.
Reacting to the development, the Senator representing Ondo Central, Niyi Adegbonmire, described the primary election as “a complete charade,” alleging that the violence was deliberately orchestrated to prevent his supporters from voting after it became apparent that he was leading at the polling unit.
The senator further claimed that similar incidents were recorded in other parts of the senatorial district, alleging that supporters of some aspirants were intimidated and denied participation in the exercise.
Adegbonmire, alongside some party chieftains, warned that recurring violence during APC primaries in Ondo State could worsen internal divisions within the party and negatively affect its future electoral fortunes if not urgently addressed.
However, other chieftains of the party dismissed the allegations, insisting that the primary election was free, fair and transparent.
Meanwhile, party leaders are expected to review reports from the exercise amid growing concerns over security and the credibility of the primary process in Ondo Central Senatorial District.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
