A coalition of concerned stakeholders under the aegis of Kwara South Development Stakeholders has rejected what it described as the alleged manipulation of the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary process in Kwara South Senatorial District.
The group, comprising youths, elders, women groups, professionals, community leaders and political stakeholders across the seven local government areas of the district, accused unnamed powerful interests of attempting to impose a candidate, Olalekan Sunday Adewoye, on the people despite what it called widespread grassroots opposition.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Barrister Deji Lawal and Chief Akomolafe Johnson, the stakeholders alleged that the primary process was compromised through manipulation of delegates and collation procedures, financial inducement of political actors, intimidation and suppression of genuine electoral outcomes.
The group also raised concerns over alleged fraud-related issues involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), insisting that Kwara South deserves credible and transparent representation at the National Assembly.
“It is shocking and unacceptable that despite the clear voice and overwhelming support of party members and grassroots delegates for credible change, certain powerful interests have allegedly chosen to subvert democracy by imposing a candidate whose public image has been severely questioned,” the statement said.
According to the stakeholders, democracy must not be turned into “a marketplace where the highest bidder hijacks the will of the people.”
The group called on the national and state leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), security agencies, the EFCC, civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders to investigate the circumstances surrounding the primary process.
They stressed that the petition was not driven by personal attacks or political bitterness, but by the need to protect the integrity of democracy and preserve the image of Kwara South.
“Kwara South is blessed with capable and credible leaders across generations, and the people must be allowed to freely choose who represents them without coercion, manipulation or imposition,” the group added.
The stakeholders, however, reaffirmed their commitment to peace, justice, party unity and the overall development of Kwara South, while vowing to continue resisting any attempt to undermine the collective will of the people.
