ONDO APC CRISIS : TUNJI ABAYOMI DUMPS PARTY...
Ahead of 2018 general elections in the country, Crisis rocking the All Progressive Congress ( APC ) in Ondo State took another dimension as one of the candidates for senatorial seat dumps the party.
Dr. Tunji Abayomi , one of the senatorial candidates of the party in the last primary election in the state, had to quit the party due to what he described as irregularities, marginalisation and unconstitutional actions by the party leadership.
Abayomi states that the action of the party, APC in a letter to the ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as unacceptable to the people of his senatorial district and himself, as denial of their constitutional rights and also against the party laid down constitution and rules and regulations.
In his words " It is NEVER the leaders who at any rate are expected to be chosen by the people that impose Candidates in democracy.
This is why the Constitution of APC defines Candidates as “Any person who has been nominated at a primary or party election to contest at a General Election”. Nomination for elections is always the prerogative of the electors or the people. It is NEVER that of the leaders".
Adding that " The APC Constitution in section 20 provides two (2) types of Primary elections for the Nomination of candidates for the Senate that is “Through direct or indirect Primary election to be conducted at the appropriate level.” Dr. Abayomi noted.
While the human right activist Lawyer reiterated further that " I regret to inform you that the present leadership of APC at the National level has decided
to take away your right to nominate Candidates as well as my right to be nominated by its unlawful “Automatic ticket” for all present Senators from Ondo State.
The National Leadership has appointed its candidate but now our people in the North Senatorial Zone must have a chance to choose their candidate against Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s appointed Candidates. We are Ondo State people, our character is to fight for our rights and insist on these rights".
Abayomi who noted that he took various steps at ensuring that he took due process as laid down by the party, and when the wrong occurred informed the APC NEC to make sure fair play in the process, however there was not a positive action in this regard and decided to quit APC.
" In keeping with long standing determination to fight for my right and your right, I will run for Senate in Ondo North Senatorial Zone on the platform of Action Alliance since the National Leadership of APC under Adams Oshiomhole has unconstitutionally blocked my chance by forcing its candidates on us all.
My decision to detour this time has been difficult. Since 2003 I have been with you. Inspite of the many challenges we faced together I have not retreated. I have not equivocated. I have not moved an inch because there was always a chance at redemption. Today the chance is unconstitutionally totally blocked. In my interest and in your interest I must keep the chance open. After the next Senatorial election which I hope to win, I will return to you".
Tunji Abayomi, from Oke-Akoko area of Ondo State will now be running for the Ondo north senatorial district under a new ticket of the Action Alliance ( AA ) Party after the leadership of APC returned their serving senators, as Prof. Borrofice Ajayi was returned by the party.
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