Olugbenga Araoyinbo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for the House of Representatives in Akoko Northeast/ Northwest federal constituency by-election has dragged the party before a Federal High Court in Akure, challenging the conduct and the results of the party’s by-election.
Faulting the process that produced Ife Ehindero as candidate of the party for the February 6, 2024 bye election, Araoyinbo said that the primary fell short of expectation and in contradiction to party’s Constitution.
He said he was seeking reliefs for a declaration that what happened on 6th January, 2024 was not a primary election but a selection by group of powerful individuals and that the outcome of it is invalid, null and void and of no effect.
The former lawmaker of the state House of Assembly, said he resolved to head towards Court after exploring all the internal mechanisms for dispute resolution as set out in APC Constitution 2014 (as amended) saying, I am seeking redress in the law Court as the last hope of common man.
He explained that “Parts of their absurdity included the failure to conduct and make delegates list available 48 before primary, filing of delegates forms at the venue and above all, the compromise of the police to arrest and detain me for them to have a free hand to subvert democratic norms
“It would interest you to know that the party officials saddled with the conduct of the primaries were hapless and helpless in the face of executive instructions
“Worst still, the primary appeal committee mechanism was a mere avenue people to discuss non-proportionate issues.
“We have explored every of our party’s conflict resolution structures coupled with interface with the national Chairman of the party, Alhaji Umaru Ganduje during the process, but the party chose and has submitted a particualr name of candidate to INEC despite evidences of malpractices and disregard to party guidelines.
“At this juncture, I am fulfilled to say that I am seeking redress in the law Court as the hope of common man.
“This stance is in no way to sabotage the chances of our APC in the February 6th by-election but to ensure the growth of party democracy beyond primitive and anti democratic behaviours.
“As I warmly appreciate my supporters who have remained committed to our belief and ideas, I hereby call on you to remain calm and allow the rule of law takes it course on the injustice meted out to all democrats”
