The political atmosphere in Ondo State has become increasingly heated following explosive allegations of manipulation surrounding the recently concluded APC primary election for the Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency, as the Ikale League of Youths openly rejected the announced results and accused powerful forces within the system of attempting to impose a “predetermined agenda” against the will of party members.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its President, Akindele Oluwafemi John, the group described the outcome announced from the exercise as “fake, manipulated and unacceptable,” insisting that the declared figures did not reflect the actual happenings across the 23 wards where the primary election took place.
The youth organization maintained that Chief Dele Omosehin overwhelmingly dominated the exercise, recording what it described as the “largest queue, highest participation and widest acceptance” among APC faithful throughout the constituency.
According to the group, the massive support witnessed for Omosehin during the primary election was not accidental but a direct reflection of his grassroots popularity, political acceptance and the formidable backing he enjoyed from the three strongest political structures in Ikale land.
The statement further revealed that the influential Iwajowa Movement, founded and led by former Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, fully mobilized in support of Omosehin during the primary election.
The youths recalled the historical political influence of the movement, particularly its role in helping deliver Ikale land for the late former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, during his governorship victory.
They also disclosed that the powerful Aseyori Political Movement of Ambassador Ibrahim Jimoh CFR worked extensively for Omosehin’s emergence, stressing that the same political structure previously delivered what they described as a historic senatorial victory in Ondo South with over one hundred thousand votes.
The group further stated that Omosehin’s personal political structure, the Asejere Movement, equally mobilized massive support across the constituency, making him the only aspirant allegedly backed by the three dominant political movements in Ikale land.
Describing the announced outcome as the product of “agents of the Ondo State Government,” the youths alleged that the results were part of a handpicked consensus arrangement that had earlier been rejected by respected stakeholders and leaders within the constituency.
The League therefore called on APC members, supporters and the people of Ikale land to disregard the announced results and remain calm while awaiting what they described as the “authentic and credible” outcome expected from the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
The statement also urged supporters of Chief Dele Omosehin to remain peaceful, law-abiding and patient, insisting that “the mandate freely given by the people cannot be stolen through manipulation and political intimidation.”
The controversy surrounding the APC primary election is expected to deepen political tensions within Ondo State as party stakeholders and supporters await further developments from the national leadership of the ruling party.