The Alliance for Equity and Justice Initiative said its attention has been drawn to an ongoing vicious and unpleasant political game plan being surreptitiously orchestrated by the executive Governor of the State, his Excellency, Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, along with his cohorts both within and outside of the party, with a view to maintaining a stranglehold on the party in the State as well as undermining the power and person of the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, his Excellency Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
A statement jointly signed by Coalition Coordinator, Comrade Kayode Oluwafemi and Secretary, Hon. Kingsley Wale, said, “The coalition wishes to state and categorically too, that the present attempt by the Governor, to start playing politics of second term, at a time when he is expected to concentrate and provide good governance to the people, cannot augur well for the peace and progress of Ekiti State.
“The Governor who was only last year elected for a four-year tenure on the back of overwhelming support and strong backing by his benefactor, the former Governor, Dr. Fayemi, can only do well by carrying all party members and the entire citizenry along in the onerous task of consolidating on the enviable records of his immediate predecessor.
“The Alliance for Equity and Justice is presently in the custody of documents obtained through very reliable sources, detailing attempts by the Governor to undermine the upcoming primaries for the Ekiti State Local Government elections, scheduled for December 2023.
“The documents indicate that some names have already been penciled down by the Governor as winners of a primary election that is yet to be conducted. The development raises serious concerns for every peace-loving citizen of Ekiti State and calls to question, the Governor’s desire to conduct a free, fair, and transparent primary even within his own political party.
“To put the records straight and disabuse the minds of some persons who may wish to see our noble effort at creating an atmosphere for a peaceful and transparent primary as meddlesome, we have attached herewith, some very vital documents which show that indeed, the upcoming party primaries will be anything but transparent except necessary measures are taken immediately to reverse the situation.
“It is rather very sad and unfortunate, that the Governor, who rode on the back of the goodwill, unflinching support, reputation, and sterling performance of the former Governor, Dr. Fayemi to ascend to power has now turned around with the likes of Chief Ayo Fayose, who himself was a former Governor of the State and a political turncoat, to try to undermine Dr Fayemi for reasons of political expediency.
“Based on the above observations and to get it right with the hope of the party retaining the support of the entire citizens, come the December local Government elections, we recommend that:
1. The Governor and his team retrace their steps and take immediate and decisive measures to ensure a transparent, free, credible, and all-inclusive primary election conducted within the ambit of the party’s laws and regulations and in total compliance with Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC ) and party guideline and Electoral laws of the state.
2. That attempts by a section of the party hierarchy in the State, spearheaded by the Governor to emasculate and rubbish the upcoming primaries be immediately discountenanced.
“The Ekiti State APC Local Government Primary Election coming up on the 4th of October 2023 presents a golden opportunity for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to further consolidate its grip on the State but that can only be achieved through a credible, transparent, free and fair Primary election where all the aspirants will be treated equally and fairly, with all eligible members of the party competing on a level playing ground.
“It is only a primary election in which all the aspirants will see themselves as co-winners and happily congratulate each other, that will further engender peace and unity within the party and the State in general
“The onus of choosing credible, acceptable, and accessible candidates for the local Government elections in the State by all stakeholders, through a credible and transparent process, becomes very critical as any mistake in this regard is capable of further creating bad blood within the party and makes it easy for the opposition to take advantage of the loopholes.
“The Alliance for Equity and Justice Initiative therefore, wishes to use this medium to call on the Governor, his Excellency, Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji to work harmoniously with his predecessor and benefactor, Dr. Fayemi for the greater good and well-being of the people of Ekiti State.
“Any kangaroo primary elections for the upcoming local Government polls must be avoided in order not to further execrate the divisions within the party hierarchy in the State. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine. Thank you. God bless Ekiti State and God bless Nigeria; the statement concluded.
