Some All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants in Saturday’s primary election in Ondo State have decried the conduct of the exercise.

In separate interviews on Saturday in Okitipupa and Ilutitun, the aspirants said inadequate preparation marred the election, which did not hold in some wards.

One hundred seventy-one thousand nine hundred twenty-two accredited party members in 203 wards in the state were expected to elect one of the 16 aspirants as the party’s flagbearer in the November 16 governorship election. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is one of the 16 aspirants.

One of the aspirants, Ife Oyedele, said that pockets of violence marred the election process at some voting centres across the state. He described this as worrisome and a shame to the party.

“I am surprised at the process. The APC is supposed to set an example for other parties but look at what happened. This is totally condemnable,” Mr Oyedele said.

Also, Oladuni Odu, an APC chieftain, condemned the election process due to the violence recorded and the late arrival of election materials and officials in some wards.

Ms Odu, the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, also chided the lackadaisical behaviour of some officials superintending the election in some wards.

“Our people here in Okitipupa Ward 2 were prepared for the election, but there was another accreditation list brought as against the party’s list.

“Some people in power believe they can use their power to force themselves to return to power through the back door. We will not accept it,” she said.

Ms Odu added, “This election did not hold; another date should be picked because this was not properly done.”

Another APCC aspirant, retired Maj.-Gen. Olamide Ohunyeye, who spoke in Ilutitun Ward 1, said the APC committee members and the election umpire were not seen in any of the three wards in Ilutitun.

Mr Ohunyeye, speaking through Deji Akinwalere, the spokesperson for his campaign organisation, said no election was conducted in Ilutitun.

“Our people have been here since morning, but neither the APC committee, the electoral umpires, nor the materials have been here.

“We can not say there was an election because it not even hold at any of the three wards of Ilutitun 1, 2 and 3. So, this process is totally condemnable as far as I am concerned,” he stated.

(NAN)