SDP Primaries: Manipulation Alleged- By Shola Agboola By

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As political parties gear up for their various Election Primaries in Ondo State, there are indications that the APC Primary slated for Saturday 20th April 2024 might not be as peaceful as expected. This is as a result of series of allegations leveled against each other by the various camps of the Aspirants. While the National Headquarters had directed *’Direct Primary’* mode of election, the incumbent Governor who is also contesting is being alleged to have tacitly turned the whole process to ‘Indirect’, by cleverly influencing manipulation of the Party’s Register. Some of the other Aspirants too were allegedly caught producing fake Party membership cards to correspond with their manipulated Party Register, which they intend to share out to their concocted voters on Saturday. It was also reliably gathered that those who officially saddled with the responsibility of monitoring the exercise have been heavily induced and are being camped at certain *Sun Bath Hotel, Sijuwade Area in Akure;* allegedly enjoying at the expense of the incumbent Governor in readiness for 20th April 2024 Primaries. More worrisome is the fact that some of the Aspirants had already imported mercenaries into the state, noticeable in various drinking bars, especially around Alagbaka area in Akure, *wearing black vests and red berrets.* Some of them were carelessly boasting that they are in Ondo State to cause mayhem in the event that the outcome of the Primaries does not favour their sponsors, and that they had the backing of the *(now suspended)* National Chairman of the party. With what is on ground and barring any postponement, Ondo State APC Primary Election slated for Saturday may not be peacefully conducted. *

Dr Shola Agboola writes from Akure