By Ayodele Abere
The All Progressives Congress [APC] in Ekiti State has conducted its House of Assembly primaries across the state using the Option A4 voting system. Party officials described the exercise as peaceful and a clear demonstration of internal democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking after casting his vote in Igbemo Ward, the State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, said the primaries were conducted in an orderly manner and reflected the will of party members.
“Our party, APC, has laid a very good foundation and precedent for smooth internal democracy,” Olatunbosun said. “We started last week with the National Assembly primaries, followed by the Senate, and today it is the House of Assembly primaries.”
Under Option A4, aspirants seek votes directly from party members in various wards, with members lining up to indicate their choice. Olatunbosun said the method allowed aspirants to test their popularity and gave party members a direct say in candidate selection.
“What we have done as party leadership is to allow every participant, every aspirant, to contest and test their popularity with the people. People came out en masse, and the choice of the people was made known through the very popular decision by lining up and being counted,” the Commissioner explained.
He noted that the exercise in Igbemo Ward was particularly significant as the ward has produced consecutive Assembly members since 1999. He announced that Bolu Fayose won with an emphatic margin in the ward.
“Today in Igbemo, it was a massive turnout, and Bolu Fayose won with an emphatic margin. I want to thank everybody that participated and urge all aspirants to be very sportsmanlike in this contest because it is internal democracy and a party decision,” he said.
Olatunbosun commended the leadership of the party at both national and state levels for ensuring a transparent process. He added that the inclusive approach adopted by the governor and the party was strengthening public confidence.
Also speaking after the exercise, House of Assembly aspirant Chukwuemeka Boluwatife Fayose described the process as smooth and well-organized.
“It was smooth, easy. Everybody was well put together, and I commend INEC officials, the security, and our ward members for conducting themselves properly,” Fayose said.
He said he monitored collation in other areas and found the process consistent, adding that he expected the outcome to favor him. Fayose expressed gratitude to the governor, party leaders, Senate leadership, and Rep member Fatoba for creating opportunities for members to participate.
“My main focus is inclusion and development of my constituency, and I will work with the governor and party leaders to bring development to our area,” he said.
