The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Akoko South-East/Akoko South-West Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Dr. Victor Olusegun Ategbole (Bobagunwa), has dismissed reports questioning his qualification and participation in the party’s primary election, describing such claims as misleading and contrary to due process.
Ategbole, in a statement issued on Sunday, claimed that he was duly screened and cleared by the APC to contest the primary election and was never officially informed of any disqualification before or during the exercise.
According to him, at no stage was he invited before any appeal panel or notified of any decision affecting his eligibility, as required by the party’s constitution and guidelines.
He argued that both the Nigerian Constitution and the APC Constitution provide for fair hearing and the right of appeal for any aggrieved aspirant, insisting that no final action can take effect without following due process.
“Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), guarantees every citizen the fundamental right to fair hearing. In the same vein, Article 21.4 of the APC Constitution clearly provides for the right of appeal for any aggrieved aspirant or party member before any final action can validly take effect,” he stated.
Ategbole expressed concern over what he described as attempts to raise issues of disqualification after delegates had already participated in the voting process.
“It is therefore deeply concerning that after duly participating in the electoral process and after votes had already been cast massively by delegates across the federal constituency, attempts were made to introduce issues of disqualification without compliance with constitutional provisions and established procedures of the party,” he said.
Despite the controversy, he noted that the election was conducted peacefully and delegates were allowed to freely exercise their democratic rights.
He stated that he was declared winner of the primary election by the Returning Officer for the constituency, Hon. Akin Aibinuomo, after polling 12,011 votes to defeat the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati, who secured 1,965 votes.
According to Ategbole, the Returning Officer affirmed that he met the constitutional requirements and emerged with the highest number of valid votes cast.
Describing the outcome as a victory for party members and constituents, Ategbole dedicated the win to grassroots supporters, stakeholders, youths, women and elders who supported his aspiration.
He also appreciated supporters for their loyalty and urged them to remain peaceful and law-abiding while expressing confidence that justice and fairness would prevail.
“The voice of the people has been clearly expressed, and we remain confident that truth, fairness, and justice shall prevail,” he added.