Despite protests from several candidates who claimed irregularities, the results collation process started on Sunday night at around nine o’clock.
The contest to become the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) nominee for governor of Ondo State on November 16, 2024 is drawing closer to the finish line.
Despite protests Ondo Gov primary results
At the Dome Hall of the International Culture and Event Centre in Akure, the state capital, on Sunday night, Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State said, “We have come the conclusion of a momentous occasion in our magnificent party’s history as we wrap up the APC primary election in Ondo State.
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The packed hall contained party supporters, members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), local watchmen and guards.
The chairman of the seven-member APC committee overseeing the Sunshine State’s governorship primary, Ododo, encouraged the 16 candidates to see the process as a competition between brothers. He reminded them that the bigger race will still be held on November 16, 2024, when voters will select the political party with the most candidates.
The Kogi governor then asked the returning officers from each of the 18 local governments in Ondo to announce the results. The governor was accompanied by other party heavyweights, including the deputy committee chair and former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege.
171,922 members from the 203 wards of the state’s 18 local government areas were anticipated to participate in Saturday’s primary, according to the ruling APC.
In the race for the party’s November ballot, sixteen formidable contenders are competing. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is one of them, along with Morayo Lebi, Garvey Iyanjan, Ifeoluwa Oyedele, Jimoh Ibrahim, Isaac Kekemeke, Soji Ehinlanwo, Akinfolarin Samuel, Olusola Oke, Adewale Akinterinwa, Olugbenga Edema, and Funmi Waheed-Adekojo.
Candidates including Edema, Oke, and Akinterinwa have subsequently denounced the way the exercise was conducted and demanded that it be canceled.
Protests earlier on Sunday were held in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, when some party members demanded that the exercise be canceled and that Ododo be removed from his position as chair of the committee.
The exercise’s winner should be revealed by Ododo at any minute.