Asiwaju Youth Group Claims Elections Are Invalid in Ekiti North II
The direct primaries of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) continue to stir controversy nationwide. In Ekiti State, some party stakeholders are calling for urgent intervention from President Bola Tinubu and the party leadership to restore order within the state’s APC structure.
This situation follows assertions from the Ekiti Network of Asiwaju Youths (ENAYo), a prominent pro-Tinubu group, which has publicly condemned alleged severe irregularities in the primaries. The group claims that in several wards within the state, results were announced without any actual elections taking place.
Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, which includes the Idoosi, Ilehemeje, and Moba Local Government Areas, is currently represented by Akinlayo Davidson Kolawole in the 10th House of Representatives. Discontent among party officials regarding the electoral process has prompted calls for President Tinubu’s immediate attention.
In an open letter addressed to President Tinubu, concerned APC officials expressed deep frustration over actions by several state actors, labeling them as “undemocratic and unprogressive.” The letter, signed by Coordinator Alhaji Abdulrahman Agboola and Secretary Mr. Daniel Fatlizi, vehemently criticized the practice of fabricating election results in areas where voting did not occur, warning that such activities jeopardize the party’s unity and peace.
“We are sounding this alarm because we are the foundation of the party in Ekiti State,” the letter stated. “We did not simply join the party; we were its founding members. Our commitment remains unwavering, especially as we approach the general elections when disillusioned members may defect due to the missteps of party leadership.”
The letter elaborated on specific instances of misconduct, such as the arrest of a media aide to a candidate who was detained prior to the primaries on questionable grounds. The officials highlighted that significant disruptions occurred in various wards, particularly those affiliated with Mr. Akinlayo Davidson Kolawole, where elections were reportedly not held at all.
Ekiti Youths Demand Rejection of Primarily Results
In a separate statement issued on Tuesday, ENAYo reiterated its call for the party leadership to dismiss any results originating from Ekiti North Federal Constituency II. The group’s spokesperson, Comrade Joseph Olaitan, expressed outrage that constituents were becoming disenfranchised, refusing to back their preferred candidates.
The statement underlined that while many party supporters turned out en masse to vote, they faced significant obstacles as supplies were restricted in various districts, leaving supporters despondent. ENAYo claimed that discrepancies in the announced results were rampant, even where elections had taken place.
“We have video evidence and result sheets confirming that Mr. Akin Kolawole won the election decisively,” the group asserted. “However, the final tally in Ado Ekiti shows different results, with the names and numbers being assigned in wards where voting was effectively prevented.”
The situation escalated further with the reported detention of a youth worker affiliated with Kolawole, leading to claims of a politically motivated crackdown on dissent. ENAYo’s statement emphasized the peaceful nature of Ekiti’s populace, warning against the coercive tactics employed by those in power.
“We are dedicated to supporting our candidates and to ensuring a fair electoral process,” the statement concluded. “We urge those in leadership to rectify current issues before they further corrode the integrity of the party.”
