The All Progressives Congress, party, APC, in Ondo state has debunked the claim by a group, Conference of APC Councilorship Aspirants that the party defraud them through the non-refundable money they obtained when ODIEC announced its readiness to conduct local government elections last year, which eventually was cancelled.
This was contained in a Press release issued by the State Publicity Secretary of the Party, Mr. Alex Kalejaye, made available to journalists.
The statement reads thus:
“The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ondo State has been drawn to a petition against the State chapter, by a group under the aegis of Conference of APC Councillorship Aspirants, to the National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, calling for a refund of the money paid by its members to obtain forms for local government election, among others.
“We consider some of the allegations contained in the petition as harsh and unfounded. We are also not unaware that we owe the public explanation on what transpired, and for the records, which are the basis for this reaction.
“It is a fact that following the announcement by the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) in September, last year, to conduct local councils’ election, the APC, as a responsible party, advertised sales of forms for interested aspirants.
“Many aspirants showed interest, and did obtain the Expression of Interest forms, indicating readiness to participate in the said election.
“However, while the party was at the top of preparation for the election, the State electoral body said the date earlier set for the election was no longer feasible, citing reasons why it has to be postponed.
“To keep the local administration alive, the State Government opted for a Caretaker arrangement, in which members were drawn from the aspirants that had obtained the Expression of Interest form.
“The State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, later met with the entire aspirants that obtained the forms and assured them of the party’s readiness for local councils’ election once the electoral body shows green light.
“The State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, also granted audience to the aspirants, and assured them that the local government election would come up soon.
“We were therefore surprised at the attitude of the aspirants in disparaging the Government and the party in the State. We are of the view that loyal members of the party should be less boisterous while presenting their cases.
“Our duty is to ensure fair play; promote party cohesion, and work assiduously for the welfare, and interest of all the members. We have not reneged.
“We appeal to all the aspirants and indeed any other party faithful, to see the party as a structure that we must all join hands to build, and display much understanding in our dealings”.
JATS Online News 