Aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the House of Representatives in the Odigbo/Ileoluji-Okeigbo Federal Constituency, Simisola Fajemirokun-Ajayi, has alleged suppression and manipulation of results following the party’s primary election held on Saturday.
Fajemirokun made the allegation in Odigbo Local Government Area, where number of supporters and residents gathered around her, chanting that their votes must count.
The APC aspirant said the voices of youths and party members can not be suppressed, alleging that irregularities and manipulation were responsible for the delay in the announcement of the election results.
“The official results have not been declared, but there were reports of suppression across different wards. It was clear as daylight that our people were genuinely here. We didn’t rent a crowd. They came out because of passion and because they want to protect their votes.”
She stated that her supporters were determined to protect what she described as their mandate, alleging confusion over the collation process and reports of result manipulation raised concerns among party faithful.
Fajemirokun, however, expressed confidence in the leadership of the party and government, saying she believed the voices of party members would ultimately prevail.
“We trust that the number one citizen of Ondo State will ensure that the voices of party members are heard in a free and fair manner.
“We also trust that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ensuring that primaries across the country are conducted properly. Let the will of the people, which is the principle of our President, be heard loudly.”
Speaking on her plans for the constituency, the aspirant said her focus would be on youth empowerment and economic prosperity, particularly through support for small businesses and entrepreneurship.
She revealed that over ₦100 million had already been earmarked to support youths and small business owners across the constituency.
“We have over one hundred million naira already set aside for Odigbo youths to support businesses and help them make profit. We have also started compiling a database to provide grants for small and micro businesses that only need a little support to grow.”
On the possibility of an unfavourable outcome, Fajemirokun-Ajayi said her supporters would pursue peaceful means of appeal.
“Our people will do the needful to appeal peacefully if necessary. But we believe that the voice of the people is the voice of God, and it will stand,” she said.
The Ondo State Primary Election Committee yesterday night announced Three successful candidate out of Nine constituencies while other results are being expected for the APC House of Representatives Primary Election
The results released includes, Akure South/North, Hon Omowumi Olatunji 9,237, Okitipupa/Irele, Muyiwa Daramola, 6,547, Ondo West/East, Biola Makinde, 10, 847