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From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
Concerned stakeholders in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State have stated their resolve to resist any attempt to impose a chairmanship candidate on the people of the local government area.
The group, under the aegis of Ovia South-West Concerned Stakeholders, who made the vow in an open letter to the governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, stated that imposition of candidates flagrantly violates the core principles of internal democracy, fairness, and transparency, which the All Progressives Congress (APC) upholds.
“Besides, allowing impositions of candidates to proceed in the coming elections will demoralise party members, weaken grassroots mobilisation, and jeopardise the collective effort required to deliver the projected 2.5 million votes for Mr President in 2027,” the group stated.
In the letter, signed by Aaron Domo, as convener, on behalf of the group, and made available to journalists, read in part: “We, the concerned stakeholders of Ovia South-West Local Government Area, write to urgently draw your attention to, and protest, the brazen attempt by some leaders to impose a chairmanship candidate on our people ahead of the forthcoming local government elections.
“This action flagrantly violates the core principles of internal democracy, fairness, and transparency, which the All Progressives Congress (APC) upholds.
“The deliberate exclusion of stakeholders, manipulation of party processes, and apparent disregard for due process threaten the unity, credibility, and electoral prospects of the party in Ovia South-West.
“Reports indicate that party members and ward leaders were convened under misleading pretences, and attendance at such meetings is being falsely presented as an endorsement of a preferred candidate.
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“Allegations of monetary inducement at these gatherings further call into question the integrity of the process, and the candidate who is being promoted lacks grassroots support, political experience, and broad acceptance.
“Endorsing him based on personal proximity undermines loyalty, hard work, and the long-standing commitment of genuine party members.
“Furthermore, we are also deeply concerned that some leaders in the local government are simultaneously attempting to impose another candidate for a fifth term as the member representing Ovia South-West in the State House of Assembly.
“This attempt is particularly troubling given that his previous terms in office have, in the view of many stakeholders, fallen short of expectations and have been widely perceived as self-serving, with little to show in terms of tangible development or effective representation for our people.
“It is important to note that this is not the first time these leaders have attempted such impositions, as they did so in 2018, against the wishes of the Ovia People.
“Shortly thereafter, the said candidate defected to the opposition party, taking our mandate with him and contributing to the party’s loss in the 2020 governorship election in Ovia South-West.
“History now appears on the verge of repeating itself, and the consequences of inaction could be equally disastrous in the 2027 elections.”
The stakeholders urged Governor Okpebholo to intervene immediately to halt the processes and ensure that credible, transparent, and inclusive methods are adopted in selecting the party’s candidates.
