By Law Ibitoye
The president of Oye Local Government youth and Ilupeju youth, Engineer Femi Fagbemi has warned that the outcome of the APC direct primary election conducted in Ilupeju Ward 02 in Oye Local Government was won by senator Ayo Arise with 402 votes.
Engineer Fagbemi said the result of the primary in the ward has clearly reflected the will, and overwhelming decision of party members in support of Senator Ayo Arise .
According to him, senator Ayo Arise secured 402 votes counted before the sudden disappearance of party officials and electoral officials during the exercise, Senator Ayo Arise had already established a clear victory in the ward out of 610 registered members.
Engineer Femi who spoke on behalf of party members said after seeing that Arise had won, a party leader called for the cancellation of the process saying any attempt by individuals or vested interests to manipulate, alter, or overturn the popular mandate will amount to a direct assault on democracy.
He said people came out in their large numbers, freely expressed their choice without coercion. The process, up to the point it was disrupted, was transparent and conclusive in favour of Senator Ayo Arise.
Party faithful and stakeholders have called on the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to ensure that the genuine outcome from Ilupeju Ward 02 is respected, protected, and officially upheld, saying any move to invalidate or tamper with the overwhelming votes secured by Senator Ayo Arise would trigger avoidable discontent among loyal party members who remain committed to justice, fairness, and internal democracy.
The APC leadership is urged to stand on the side of truth by recognising the clearly expressed mandate of the people of Ilupeju Ward 02, adding that democracy must not only be preached; it must be defended through transparency, credibility, and respect for the wishes of the grassroots.
The victory recorded by Senator Ayo Arise in Ilupeju Ward 02 is not negotiable, and party members insist that the mandate freely given by the people must not be subverted under any circumstance.
