Kwara South Stakeholders Reject Alleged Manipulation of APC Senatorial Primary
By Our Correspondent
A coalition of concerned stakeholders under the aegis of Kwara South Development Stakeholders, has rejected alleged manipulation of the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election in Kwara South Senatorial District.
The group in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, signed by its Chairman, Mr Deji Lawal, and
Chief Akomolafe Johnson its secretary, accused some powerful interests of attempting to impose a candidate on the people.
This,they said was in spite of widespread grassroots opposition.
The group alleged that the primary process was compromised through manipulation of delegates and collation procedures, financial inducement of political actors, intimidation and suppression of genuine electoral outcomes.
It said Kwara South deserved credible and transparent representation at the National Assembly.
“It is shocking and unacceptable that in spite of the clear voice and overwhelming support of party members and grassroots delegates for credible change.
“Certain powerful interests have allegedly chosen to subvert democracy by imposing a candidate whose public image has been severely questioned,” the statement said.
It added that democracy must not be turned into a marketplace where the highest bidder hijacked the will of the people.
It called on the national and state leadership of the APC, security agencies, the EFCC, civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders to investigate the circumstances surrounding the primary process.
“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,” it said.
The statement reaffirmed the group’s commitment to peace, justice, party unity and the overall development of Kwara South, saying it would continue to resist attempts to undermine the people’s collective will.
The group is comprised of youths, elders, women groups, professionals, community leaders and political stakeholders across the seven Local Government Areas areas of Kwara South.