Panic grips Akeredolu's Opponents over Yahaya Bello's Panel ahead of primaries

…as Unity Forum in last minute move to reduce aspirants

Political camps of the governorship aspirants apart from Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s group has been thrown into confusion as the national leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) unveiled the Primary Election Committee.

The aspirants, mostly under the auspices of the Unity Forum, had for over a week, mounted pressure on the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led National Caretaker Committee to opt for the direct mode of primary even as they insisted on having input in the list if those to organise the primary election.

Notwithstanding the pressure and protests, the Caretaker Committee unveiled the committee. A close ally of Governor Akeredolu and Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello was named the chairman of the Committee.

But reacting to the development, an aspirant who preferred anonymity confided in our correspondent that the choice of Bello as head of the panel was not good for those who are opposed to the return of Governor Akeredolu.

The aspirant who described the development as a major set back for him and others disclosed that the leadership of the Unity Forum would meet before Sunday to harmonise their interests.

“This is a clear answer to the question manipulation that has been perpetrated by the caretaker committee at the national level. We all know what they have planned but it is most unfortunate.

“Everyone knows how close both Akeredolu and Yahay Belio are. Akeredolu was his lawyer during the period of the Governor’s travail and we all know what Yahaya Bello and his team came to do here in 2016.

“So it is very clear where they are heading but it is frustrating that they will take us this path after all assurances. Painfully, it does appear the national Caretaker Committee is still doing the bidding of the former chairman.

“We have credible evidence that this Committee had been put in place since the June by the former chairman and this committee didn’t change it at all. It then means that even the issue of the mode will go same way because Oshiomhole had already submitted that before he left.

“We cannot run away from this reality because it is already too late. The leadership of the Unity Forum is likely to meet before Sunday to ensure we prune down our numbers to a manageable level where one will be strong enough to face the battle,” he said.

The APC had on Thursday, announced the constitution of both the Primary Election committee as well as the Election Appeal Committee .

A Statement by the APC deputy national publicity secretary, Yekini Nabena said:

“Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ondo State Governorship Primary Election slated for July 20, 2020,the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker/Extra-ordinary National Convention Planning Committee has constituted Primary Election and Appeal Committees.

The Governor of Kogi State, H.E. Yahaya Bello will chair the Primary Election Committee while Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe will chair the Primary Election Appeal Committee”.

Other members of the election committee are :
Olorogun o’tega Emerhor OON (Secretary), Alwan Hassan, Chief Samuel Sambo, Hajiya Binta Salihu, Mr. Emma Andy, Dr. Adebayo Adelabu, Abdullahi Aliyu and Mrs. Margret Ngozi Igwe.

Both Committees will be inaugurated by the Chairman of the APC Caretaker/Extra-ordinary National Convention Planning Committee, H.E. Mai Mala Buni at the APC National Secretariat by 3pm on Friday 17th July, 2020.