An aspirant in the All Progressives Congress House of Representatives primary for Ado Ekiti/Irepodun-Ifelodun Federal Constituency, Yemi Olayinka, has accused political actors of intimidation and threats during the party’s National Assembly primary election held on Saturday.
Olayinka, a cleric and politician, contested the ticket alongside the incumbent lawmaker, Steve Fatoba, and Tope Ogunleye.
Speaking with journalists after voting in his ward in Ado-Ekiti, Olayinka alleged that his supporters were threatened in a bid to discourage them from participating in the exercise.
According to him, despite the alleged intimidation, his supporters still turned out in large numbers, which he described as a victory against political pressure.
He said, “Our supporters were threatened and told not to come out for the election. Some were told they would be beaten or even shot.
“That was why I stayed at the front. I told them if anyone wanted to shoot, they should start with me.
“What we achieved today goes beyond winning or losing. The fact that people still came out despite the intimidation is a victory for democracy.”
Olayinka, who admitted losing in his ward, maintained that the participation of his supporters showed resilience in the face of what he termed undue interference by authorities in the state.
Reacting to allegations that his candidacy was imposed on party members, Fatoba dismissed the claims, insisting that the turnout at the primary reflected his popularity among constituents.
“With what happened here today, does it look like imposition? Nobody was forced to queue behind me,” he said.
“Politicians can make allegations, but the reality on the ground speaks for itself. The people came out willingly because they support us.”
Fatoba also called for unity among APC members ahead of future elections and appreciated Governor Biodun Oyebanji and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele for their support.
Also speaking, former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Examinations Council, Modupe Adelabu, rejected claims of imposition, describing the primary as free and open.
“Everybody interested in the contest had the opportunity to participate, and party members were free to support any candidate of their choice,” she said.
