LG Election: Ondo APC Promises Free, Fair,Transparent Elections

By Niyi Olutunde, Akure

Ahead of the April 18 Ondo state Local Government election, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state has promised all aspirants that the party would ensure a very transparent, fair and credible process that would lead to the emergence of candidates for the election.

The party who affirmed its readiness to participate in the forthcoming local government election said it would do what is fair to unite the party as a family.

The State Chairman of the party, Engr. Ade Adetimehin gave the disclosure on Thursday during a press conference on the preparation of the party ahead of the poll.

Adetimehin who reiterated that the party would neither promote nor condone thuggery and violence during the elections saying they are confident that the APC led government has done tremendously well for the good people of Ondo state in the last three year.

According to him, the state chapter is not oblivion of the fact that 2020 is a crucial year that the party’s cohesion must not be toyed with.

“We feel it is expedient to be fair and transparent in all we do to avoid misgivings and ill-feelings among our members. We will do what is fair, what is just and what will further unite us as a family.

“We see preparation for the election as litmus test of our ability to handle such issue ahead of the main task”, he said.

It would be recalled that the Local Government elections in the state were suspended last year by the Independent Electoral Commission, (ODIEC).

But Adetimehin said the party on the 8th January this year, they received a signal from the electoral body that all political parties should commence preparations for the local elections.

The APC Chairman said, “our initial stand was to continue from where we stopped last year, but we decided to bent backward to accommodate aspirants that were either not with us, as at the time or not privilege to obtain our nomination forms, especially as we had not submitted list of party candidates to ODIEC”.

The crux of this decision according to Adetimehin was to encourage more participation saying “we believe it is in tune with democratic norms.”

“We have no doubts that our party will do well in any election without intimidating or influencing the electorate. We would continue to embark on measures that would further unite us and eliminate any semblance of wrangling or friction from the fold. It is not unusual for people to disagree, but resolving issues through effective internal mechanisms must be explored at all times”, he maintained.