Ondo APC begins reconciliation after Assembly primaries

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has concluded its House of Assembly primary elections and commenced moves to reconcile aggrieved aspirants ahead of the next round of elections.

Chairman of the House of Assembly Election Committee, Olajide Mathew Olamilekan, announced the results of the remaining nine constituencies on Thursday, saying reports from returning officers had completed the exercise across the state.

Among the winners were Atoyebi Grace Aderonke for Odigbo Constituency 2, Tunji Rhema for Odigbo Constituency 1, Tiamiyu Fatai Atere for Akoko North West Constituency 1, and Aliu Lateef Victor for Akoko North West Constituency 2.

Others included Gbenga Omole, who emerged victorious in Akoko South West Constituency 1; Olanusi Olaniran in Akoko South West Constituency 2; Ogunyemi Olumiyiwa in Akoko North East Constituency; Rotimi Akinwande in Ileoluji/Okeigbo Constituency; and Olawande Toyosi Okoro in Owo Constituency 1.

Speaking after the announcement, the Ondo State APC Chairman, Babatunde Kolawole, described the direct primary election as a democratic process that gave aspirants the opportunity to test their popularity among party members.

Kolawole said the party regarded all contestants in the Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly primaries as important stakeholders, stressing that the outcome should not be seen as a battle between winners and losers.

According to him, the party had already begun reconciliation efforts to address grievances arising from the exercise and strengthen unity within its ranks ahead of future elections.

He added that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had charged party members to work towards delivering one million votes for President Bola Tinubu in Ondo State during the next presidential election.