Scores of Youths in the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State have kicked against the alleged imposition of some councillorship candidates by the party’s leadership ahead of the council poll slated for January 18.

Protesting on Friday in Ondo town, the aggrieved youths vehemently rejected the handpicking of candidates to represent them at the LGA without following the party’s constitution.

The youths displayed various placards and blocked the Ondo/Akure road, obstructing the traffic for several hours to register their displeasure.

Felix Akinmoladun, a spokesperson for the protesting youths, wondered how the party leaders would handpick a councillorship candidate from Ward 5 to represent the people at Ward 8. He described the alleged action as “insensitivity and injustice.”

He noted that another candidate was picked from Ward 2 to represent those in Ward 1, lamenting that the party leaders’ decision could spell doom in the upcoming election.

“As you see, this is unfair, and this act of injustice and insensitivity has also highlighted growing dissatisfaction within the party’s leadership in our local government.

“It’s better they realise that the support of the youths is crucial for the party’s future in this coming election. We are calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to quickly intervene in this matter,” he said.

Olakunle Olanipekun, a councillorship aspirant from Ward I, accused the leaders of engaging in acts that could undermine unity, growth, and progress, describing them as “political alligators.”

He further argued that the “imposition of candidates” does not represent the people’s will, warning that such practices could affect the grassroots support of the ruling party.

“We have built and worked tirelessly for this party. Yet, our leaders impose candidates without consulting the ward representatives. This is a betrayal of trust,” Mr Olanipekun added.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the state APC, Alex Kalejaye, denied any form of imposition in the choice of the party’s councillorship candidates.

“The truth is that the party had always been against imposition, but the truth in this case was that the party allows the leaders from the various wards to carry out transparent primary elections where candidates emerged.

“Also, in some cases, we are all aware that the leaders of the party agreed on consensus candidates in the LGAs to have those to represent them, and that was done with the representation and interest of everyone.

“So, there is no issue of imposition of candidate anywhere in these cases. I can tell you were taking notes of these, and we are on top of the situation,” he told Peoples Gazette.

No fewer 10 political parties, PDP, NNPP, SDP, and ZLP, have already fielded chairmanship and councilorship candidates for the poll.