A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abayomi Hunye, has insisted that he remains the preferred choice of party members following the conduct of the party’s governorship primaries in Ogun State.
Hundreds of APC members reportedly turned out on Thursday to vote for Hunye at Tube Ward in Ipokia Local Government Area, where the exercise was said to have been conducted peacefully.
Hunye arrived early at the polling unit to cast his vote before supporters and other party members participated in the primary election.
Speaking with journalists after voting, the APC aspirant dismissed speculations that he had been disqualified or was not cleared to participate in the race.
According to him, the large turnout of supporters at his ward was a clear indication of his popularity and acceptance among APC members across the state.
Hunye said attempts by some individuals to spread false information about his eligibility failed to discourage his supporters, who came out in large numbers to reaffirm their loyalty and confidence in his candidacy.
Although reports from some wards alleged that supporters believed to be loyal to him were prevented from voting, Hunye maintained that the exercise in his ward was peaceful and orderly, even for supporters of rival aspirants.
He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to ensure that all votes cast during the primaries are counted fairly and transparently.
The governorship hopeful also urged party leaders not to allow what he described as “enemies of democracy” to undermine the credibility of the process, stressing that party members should be allowed to freely choose their preferred candidate.
Reassuring his supporters, Hunye insisted that he remains fully in the race and advised the public to disregard rumours suggesting otherwise.
Meanwhile, the Abayomi Hunye Campaign Office has raised concerns over the arrest of one of its supporters, Mr. Segun Avoseh, during the APC governorship primary election at Maun Ward 1 in Ipokia Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by the campaign office, Avoseh was described as a card-carrying APC member and party agent who was allegedly arrested after resisting attempts to stop Hunye’s supporters from participating in the exercise.
The campaign further alleged that officers at a police station claimed to recognise only Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as the sole governorship aspirant, leading to Avoseh’s continued detention.
Describing the incident as a threat to fairness, neutrality, and democratic participation within the party, the campaign called on the Ogun State Commissioner of Police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
The campaign also demanded the immediate release of Avoseh if no lawful grounds exist for his detention, equal treatment for supporters of all aspirants, and adequate protection for the integrity of the primary election process.
