The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the outcome of Saturday’s by-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, accusing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Folajimi Oyekunle, of winning through voter intimidation.
The party alleged that the election was fraught with irregularities, raising questions about the credibility of Oyekunle’s victory.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Sunday declared Oyekunle of the PDP winner of the poll after securing the highest number of votes, while Hon. Adewale Olatunji of the APC came second.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC reaffirmed its commitment to participatory democracy and insisted on the sanctity of free and fair elections.
He said, “Regrettably, established cases of irregularities which characterised the conduct of the by-election of last Saturday in Ibadan North Federal Constituency by INEC have brought back the ugly memory of former President Obasanjo era when election was dubbed a do-or-die affair by the PDP.
“This time again, electoral officials and security agents were compromised as they watched helplessly while various sharp practices were being perpetrated in most of the polling units.
“We have details of the heavy sums of money made available to some PDP chieftains who were stationed across all polling booths to buy votes.
“As if this was not enough, some INEC officials were made to allow people without PVCs who were brought by some PDP agents to vote as this was the case in most of the Wards. In Ward 07, a particular PDP stalwart was caught in the act but he was later freed by the security agents.
“Also, handlers of the Park Management System (PMS) mobilized and equipped hundreds of their members for the purpose of intimidating residents and compromising the smooth conduct of the by-election.
“These fierce-looking and weapon-wielding men moved round Yemetu, Alli-Iwo, Bodija, Sango, Mokola, Agbowo among other places within Ibadan North local government council to unleash terror on the residents while voting was taking place and they got away with it.
“While we are compiling details of irregularities which marred the Saturday by-election, we shall make public our final decision on the matter in due course even as we appeal to all members and support of our great Party in the state to remain calm and keep faith in the leadership of the APC at all levels.”
