Ogun APC Primary Election Didn't Meet Democratic Standards, Aspirant Hunye

Abayomi Hunye, a governorship aspirant in the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, shares with OLUFEMI ADEDIRAN why he is challenging the party’s primary election results. He believes in fairness, internal democracy, and the Yewa agenda.

I won't call it marginalisation in the usual way, but it is clear that some interests have had more chances than others. Since 1999, I have been dedicated to progressive politics. I have worked hard for party development and governance without looking for personal benefits. My focus has always been on serving Ogun State and helping our people grow.

Still, it is hard to ignore that Yewa, despite being loyal and contributing to the state's development, has never had a governor. We are pushing for fairness, inclusion, and a feeling of belonging. Every part of Ogun State should have the chance to take part in the highest level of leadership.

The governorship primary was very disappointing and did not meet the democratic standards we expect from our party. There were many complaints about imposition, disenfranchisement of genuine party members, and several irregularities that shook trust in the process. A primary election should show the real choice of party members, not outcomes that are decided ahead of time. While I am still committed to the APC, I feel the party must deal with these issues to improve internal democracy and keep the trust of its members.

Fairness is based on transparency, inclusion, and following the rules. Many aspirants, including me, have raised concerns about whether these values were respected. I respect our party and its leaders, but I believe every aspirant deserves a fair chance. The issues being raised are not personal; they are about guarding the integrity of our party's democratic process.

I did not reject the idea of consensus. Our party’s constitution and democratic practice acknowledge it. But a real consensus needs consultation, negotiation, and agreement by all parties involved. What was put forward did not show broad acceptance among aspirants and party members. I ran because I believe every qualified member has the right to seek an elective position. As a proud son of Yewa and a loyal party member, I felt it was my duty to offer my service and let party members make their choice.

The issues related to the primary election are already in court, so I must be careful not to discuss matters that are still in the legal process. What I can say is that there is strong evidence about what happened during the primary. There are reports, records, and videos that were shown on national TV documenting the events. These materials support our position and will be shared through proper legal channels. The idea that a governorship aspirant who campaigned widely and had strong grassroots support got zero votes is something Nigerians can judge for themselves.

Yes, we tried to resolve the problems within the party and waited for a reply from the right party bodies. But we also had to follow the Electoral Act's guidelines, which have a strict timeline for filing pre-election matters. Given the 14-day limit, we could not wait too long for a response. Taking the matter to court was necessary to protect our rights and keep our case alive, while still respecting the party and its processes. Going to court should not be seen as hostility. Courts exist to resolve disputes peacefully and uphold justice.

I trust the Nigerian judiciary and believe justice will win. My confidence comes from the facts we have and the strength of our case. In the end, the court will settle the issues, and we are ready to follow the law and due process.

I have been a dedicated progressive throughout my political life. Right now, my focus is not on leaving the party but on making sure justice is served and democratic principles are upheld. The APC is a party I have put a lot into over the years. My commitment has always been to progressive governance and the welfare of Ogun State.

Politics should not ruin personal relationships. While the events after the primary have created clear differences, I have no personal grudge against Senator Adeola. The issues we face are political and legal, not personal. My concern has always been about process, fairness, and the future of Ogun State, especially the Yewa people's desire to have a governor.

I respect the Governor and value the chance I had to serve in his administration. Public service is about contributing to governance, and I am thankful for that experience. Differing political opinions are normal in a democracy and should not be mistaken for personal hostility. My relationship with the Governor remains friendly and respectful. I aim to promote unity in our party and push for Ogun State's development.

I want to assure the people of Ogun State, especially the good people of Yewa, that our struggle is not about personal ambition. It is about fairness, equity, justice, and the right of every part of the state to aim for leadership. We are not swayed by market noise or political propaganda. We stay focused, law-abiding, and dedicated to our cause through legal and democratic means. At the end of the day, truth, justice, and the people's will will win.