Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Kwara South Senatorial District have expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the party’s recent senatorial primary, calling for a review of the process.
The leaders and stakeholders, under the aegis of the Kwara South Development Stakeholders, made their position known in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Deji Lawal and Akomolafe Johnson.
The group, which said it comprises youths, elders, women groups, professionals, community leaders and political stakeholders from the seven local government areas of the district, said the primary did not reflect the wishes of party members at the grassroots.
According to the statement, the stakeholders were concerned about the conduct of the exercise and the emergence of Olalekan Sunday Adewoye as the candidate.
“It is shocking and unacceptable that despite the clear voice and overwhelming support of party members and grassroots delegates for credible change, certain powerful interests have chosen to subvert democracy by imposing a candidate whose public image has been severely questioned,” the statement said.
The group stressed that democracy “must not be turned into a marketplace where the highest bidder hijacks the will of the people.”
The stakeholders called on the national and state leadership of the APC, security agencies, civil society organisations and the media to look into issues surrounding the primary process.
They said their intervention was aimed at protecting the integrity of democracy and preserving the image of Kwara South.
“Kwara South is blessed with capable and credible leaders across generations, and the people must be allowed to freely choose who represents them without coercion, manipulation or imposition,” the statement added.
The group, however, reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice, party unity and the overall development of Kwara South.
