Youths of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo West Local Government staged a rally today to protest the imposition of councillorship candidates by party leaders. The demonstration, which saw hundreds of youths gathering at the Akure Roundabout, highlighted growing dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership in the Local Government.
One of the youth representatives, Mr. Akinmoladun Felix, expressed his displeasure with the selection process. He criticized the decision to pick a candidate from Ward 5 to represent the people of Ward 8 and another from Ward 2 to represent Ward 1.
Felix described these moves as unfair and called on Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to intervene. He emphasized that the support of the youth is crucial for the party’s future success.
Prominent among those airing their grievances was Comrade Olakunle Olanipekun, a Ward 1 leader and councillorship aspirant. He, along with other aspirants from the 12 wards of Ondo West, expressed disappointment in the party’s leadership.
Olanipekun accused the leaders of engaging in acts that undermine the unity and growth of the party, labeling them as “political alligators.”
The aspirants lamented the lack of consultation in the selection process, despite their longstanding contributions to the party’s growth since its inception. They claimed the imposition of candidates goes against the ideals upheld by the party’s founders.
The twelve aspirants collectively registered their frustration and called on Governor Aiyedatiwa to intervene. They argued that the imposed candidates do not represent the will of the people and warned that such practices could erode the party’s grassroots support.
“We have built and worked tirelessly for this party. Yet, our leaders impose candidates without consulting the ward representatives. This is a betrayal of trust,” one of the aspirants said.
The protesting youths and aspirants urged the governor to urgently address the issue, emphasizing that the future of the APC in Ondo West depends on fair and transparent leadership.
The rally reflects growing tensions within the APC in Ondo West, as party leaders face mounting pressure from youths and grassroots members to uphold democratic values. All eyes are now on Governor Aiyedatiwa to mediate and restore unity within the party.
