ONDO 2024: REPS MEMBER CALLS FOR UNITY AMONG APC MEMBERS

• urges Aiyedatiwa to rein in his abusive supporters 

Ahead of the governorship election in Ondo State on November 16, Hon. Donald Ojogo, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency, has emphasised the importance of unity among All Progressives Congress (APC) members. 

The recent governorship primary election, held last Saturday, which favoured Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has sparked controversy within the party. 

This controversy stemmed from the rejection of the election results announced by Governor Usman Ododo’s committee, as the majority of the aspirants have disputed the outcome.

In response to the election outcome, six aspirants—Folakemi Omogoroye, Jimoh Ibrahim, Olusola Oke, SAN, Wale Akinterinwa, Jimi Odimayo, and Hon Gbenga Edema—have petitioned the party’s Appeal Election Committee, led by former governor of Bauchi State, Abubakar Muhammed. 

They are collectively calling for the annulment of the election results and are urging the party to conduct a fresh poll.

A statement personally signed by Hon Ojogo, reads “Last weekend witnessed the shadow election of our party, the APC, as aspirants vied for the coveted gubernatorial ticket to fly the flag of our party in the forthcoming November 16 governorship election.

“The exercise became a source of controversy attracting the attention of the National Leadership of our great party culminating in a meeting with all aggrieved aspirants. Undoubtedly, there are high hopes albeit cynicisms and concerns.

“It is undeniable that such contests possess the potential to convert friends into adversaries and even pit siblings against each other. This, in particular, was replete with varied degrees of intrigue even as interests clashed in a seemingly irreconcilable manner. But that is politics for us all.

“Elections have been concluded, and both our great party, the APC and the major opposition party, the PDP, have successfully elected their respective candidates. The emergence of two former deputy governors as candidates from each party is a remarkable signal from the flanks of fate.

“As members of the APC family, it is now imperative for us to unite and forge ahead. The undeniable truth remains that these aspirants are all leaders within our party. Their robust and seasoned leadership is indispensable for achieving triumph in the forthcoming November election.

“Personally, I lent my support and dedicated efforts to Chief Olusola Oke, SAN, during the election. I have no regrets for this decision. Beyond my unshakable belief in Chief Oke’s capacity and competence to lead our beloved state, he offered his shoulders for me to fly high during my own election into the House of Representatives.

“His unquantifiable support for me earned him disdain from numerous quarters. He went above and beyond, investing his all to ensure victory for both me and our party. Consequently, it became my duty to reciprocate this dexterous support and work for him in the last primary election. Chief Oke deserved my modest support and not ingratitude as he aspired.

“However, given the party’s recent decision to intervene in the aftermath of the primary election crisis, I find it imperative to join the party in appealing to our leaders, as the party’s direction and position hold paramount importance. We have no alternative but to rally around the APC and work diligently to strengthen our party to victory.

“Nonetheless, I urge His Excellency, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to rein in his supporters, who incessantly engage in the disparagement and insult of other aspirants and those who offered to differ with them. It is crucial to recognise that ego and pride are destructive forces within human nature. Those subjected to daily insults and abuse also have their own sense of dignity and self-worth. They possess the inalienable prowess of alternative options-they are not without choices.

“Therefore, the only way to grant esteem and worth to those who held different views before now, is by adopting a conciliatory tone in our utterances and demeanour. We must conscientiously and purposefully too, strive for genuine and comprehensive reconciliation. Those supporters who indulge in social media diatribes and hurl insults at aspirants who are leaders in their respective rights are neither helping the Governor nor the unity of our party.

“Initially, the party provided no clear indication of its direction. The national leader had also, impressively, allowed all ample opportunities to pledge their support for their preferred choices, as I did. However, now that a candidate has emerged, I align myself with the party’s course and its leadership direction.

“Succinctly, it is incumbent upon all to adopt a more introspective approach towards achieving total reconciliation, bolster our party and enhance its inherent values for further growth ahead November.

The November Poll is a must win for our party, the APC; but only our collective efforts, genuine attempts at mutual respect for one another will guarantee this. As party leaders, members and supporters, these are attributes we have deployed severally to desired paths in the past. This cannot, and will not be different”.