The All Progressives Congress has announced that 171,922 delegates will select its candidate for the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State this September.
These delegates, hailing from the 203 wards across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state, have been certified to participate in the APC’s governorship primary election this Saturday.
The National Organizing Secretary of the party, Alhaji Muhammad Argungu, revealed these details on Thursday at the APC national secretariat during the inauguration of the 7-member Governorship Primary Election Committee for the state by the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
Argungu explained, “While the Independent National Electoral Commission provided the party with a Certified True Copy of the membership register showing 173,181 members, a revalidation by the party adjusted this number down to 171,922.”
He further stated, “All the 16 aspirants who purchased nomination and expression of interest forms had been vetted as provided for in the APC constitution. It was done to comply with the provisions of the Constitution and to ensure that all the aspirants were duly vetted for the primaries. We have received a Certified True Copy CTC from INEC showing 173,181 membership while our revalidation came down to 171,922.”
During the inauguration, Dr. Ganduje highlighted the role of the appeal committee, which is tasked with addressing any grievances arising from the primary process. “If there is any disagreement, then the appeal committee will listen and that is part of internal democracy which we have to abide by as provided by our constitution,” he said.
Ganduje expressed confidence in the committee, noting that its members were chosen for their experience and integrity, and he emphasized the importance of their focus and organization.
“Controversy is a whole department in a democracy and you cannot have a 100 percent peaceful exercise but you are equal to the task. I expect you to be focused, to be highly organized and to be vigilant. We have contacted relevant stakeholders including security agencies and they have assured of a peaceful environment,” he said.
The committee is chaired by Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the newly appointed governor of Kogi state. Represented by his deputy, Joel Salihu, Ododo committed to his responsibilities, stating, “If there is any job not to be done, it must not be the one sent by Mr President and the National Chairman of the party and the party itself. Any work I am sent to do must be done. I have accepted to collaborate with all the committee members to produce the best candidate for Ondo gubernatorial election and in so doing I will abide by the principle, doctrine and constitution of our great party.”
