Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Josiah Oluwole
Published on 2024-04-18 13:45:31
The Ondo State Police Command made headlines after arresting two individuals who were caught engaging in unauthorized registration activities ahead of the governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scheduled for Saturday, 20 April. This incident occurred in response to complaints filed by several aspirants who raised concerns about an attempt to compromise the election process by a specific contender. The petition to the national party secretariat alleged fake registrations of new members in favor of the said aspirant.
The aspirants involved in the filing of the complaint included Jimoh Ibrahim, Olusola Oke, Wale Akinterinwa, Diran Iyantan, Dayo Faduyile, Gbenga Edema, and Jimi Odimayo. The Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, reported that a man named Mr. Ariyo was conducting the illegal registration at his residence in Ondo City. The police received intelligence on Wednesday, 17 April 2024, indicating the registration activities being carried out by Mr. Ariyo.
Upon investigation, the police recovered various incriminating items from the scene, including APC party registration booklets, lists of purported party members from Ward 7 Ondo, passport photographs, a jotter with names, exercise books with names and phone numbers, and registered form slips. Two suspects were apprehended and are cooperating with the police to identify others involved in the fraudulent act.
The Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Oladipo, issued a warning to political aspirants to restrain their supporters from disrupting the electoral process. Odunlami-Omisanya emphasized the directive to crackdown on troublemakers regardless of their position and assured that the police would maintain peace and security during the party primaries.
In response to the incident, the APC in Ondo State disassociated itself from the individuals engaging in illicit registration, asserting that the materials recovered were counterfeit and unauthorized by the party. Steve Otaloro, the party’s Director of Publicity, called for a thorough investigation by the police to hold the culprits accountable for their misconduct.
The incident shed light on the importance of upholding the integrity of the democratic process and ensuring a fair and transparent electoral system free from manipulation. The involvement of law enforcement agencies in uncovering and addressing electoral malpractice is crucial in safeguarding the democratic values and principles of the society.
In conclusion, the swift action taken by the Ondo State Police Command serves as a deterrent to those attempting to subvert the democratic processes and reinforces the commitment to upholding the rule of law in electoral activities. Moving forward, it is imperative for all stakeholders to work collaboratively in promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness in electoral procedures to uphold the sanctity of democracy and the will of the people.
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