A Coalition of Civil Society Organizations has rated the Delegate Congress election conducted in Ekiti state on Saturday as credible and peaceful.
The All Progressive Congress, APC on Saturday carried out the Delegate Congress in the 177 wards across the state to elect the delegates in preparation for the Primary election of the ruling party slated to Monday, October 27.
The Coalition under the aegis of Citizen Right For Peace And Non Violence Initiative, Global Development Centre For Rescue Mission Nigeria and Suitable African Initiative For Suitable And Positives Development in a Communique jointly presented to journalists in Ado-Ekiti seized the opportunity to commend President Bola Tinubu on the appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
In the Communique,the Head of the Team of the duly registered Coalition INEC observers for the 2025 APC Governorship Delegate and Primary Election in Ekiti State, Romania Azubuike stated:
“We consider this exercise not only crucial but also highly significant, as it represents a vital step toward ensuring a peaceful and transparent primary election, while creating a conducive environment for inclusiveness and fairness.
“As patriotic citizens, we are motivated by the spirit of the much-desired change and socio-cultural rebirth, and we have striven to perform our duties with integrity and dedication in service to the nation.
” In alignment with the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his earnest desire to reorient our sense of patriotism, we deemed it al duty not to compromise the high standards expected of us in the course of this national assignment”
The Coalition also stated there observations on the process of the delegate elections in the course of their visits to the three (3) senatorial districts of the state.
The team stated the observation thus: “The delegate election took place across all the 177 electoral wards covering the 16 Local Government Areas of the state, in accordance with the party’s guidelines.
” There was an impressive turnout of joyful and enthusiastic party faithful’s who participated in the exercise.
” The election was conducted in a peaceful and conducive manner, under the watchful presence of various security agencies.
“Party officials delegated by the APC National Headquarters carried out their duties credibly and professionally
“We commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Council of State, and the National Assembly for the nomination and timely confirmation of the new INEC Chairman, Professor Joas Ojo Amupitan (SAN)
” We also commend the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for providing a conducive environment for the exercise to take place. He demonstrated true leadership by not interfering in the process, despite being a candidate in the election”
The team therefore appreciated “all stakeholders and party members for their orderliness and peaceful conduct throughout the exercise”.
