The attention of the Ajipe Campaign Organization has been drawn to a news story published in the May 19 edition of The Tribune, with the headline: 2023: Ondo APC concludes on consensus arrangements. The newspaper, qouting ‘a source’, claimed that the leadership of our dear party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ondo North Senatorial District has ‘anointed and picked Jide Ipinsagba as the party’s choice…’
Without any fear of contradiction from any quarter, we say that the story and the purported ‘anointing’ of a certain aspirant ahead of the Ondo North Senatorial Districts primary election, is a wicked lie from the pit of hell and a figment of the writer’s imagination.
It is imperative to make it clear what the Electoral Act says on Consensus candidates. For those who may not know, the Act unambiguously spelt it out that politicians who are seeking party tickets for elective positions must tender written consent of their withdrawals before political parties can adopt consensus candidates.
For the purpose of clarity, Clause 84 of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, clearly allows political parties to adopt three modes of primaries, direct, indirect and consensus. And on Consensus Candidate, the bill in 84(9)(a) provides, “A political party that adopts a consensus candidate shall secure the written consent of all cleared aspirants for the position, indicating their voluntary withdrawal from the race and their endorsement of the consensus candidate.”
Having cleared whatever doubt(s) that may exist in the minds of the purveyor of the lies, the Ajipe Campaign Organization, with all seriousness, hereby deny the existence of any arrangement of a consensus agreement among the aspirants for the Ondo North Senatorial District on the platform of the APC.
Having been screened by the party’s Screening Committee in Abuja to contest in the primary election slated to hold on May 27, 2022, Chief Ajipe is at this time focused on, not just participating in the election, but on winning.
We also maintain that Chief Ajipe remains the Frontline aspirant for the ticket of the party. He has not abandoned his quest to represent his people and will NEVER do so.
We call on the good people of Ondo North Senatorial District in Akoko, Ose and Owo to ignore such stories planted by the enemies of the people whose wicked strategy is to hood wink the hapless people into four years of enslavement. Their mode of operation is to masquerade as lovers of the people with stories and lies embedded with poisoned chalice.
Without any fear of contradiction, we make bold to maintain that Chief Alexander Ajipe remains the candidate to beat in the election. His antecedents and the pure goodwill he enjoys from the people are his source of strength and assurance.
Our delegates should remain resolute and focused, believing that the wishes of the people will prevail at the primaries.
From all indications, all the leaders of our great party, including our amiable Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, have promised a level playing ground in the primaries. We hold on to their promise, while the people hope that they will keep their words.
We are convinced beyond any doubt that the position of Mr Governor to allow a level playing field is still sacrosanct. Those who are relying on powers that be would be disappointed at the end of the day.
We, however enjoin all our supporters across the Ondo North Senatorial Districts to disregard any rumor of a concensus candidate as nothing of such has happened and will not happen.
Those who are deceiving themselves about an imposition through endorsement or a concensus are just wasting their time. They are jittery having seen the mammoth crowd that welcome us to Akoko and their passionate appreciation of us for daring the slave masters and their stooges.
The project is for the people and the children of nobody who are drawing inspiration and encouragement from this audacity of hope. 27th of May is our day with destiny. Aluta continua Victoria ascerta
Signed
Chief Segun Ajiboye
Director of Media
Ajipe Campaign Organization